Official Appointments Draw Attention Ahead Of Pavel's Inauguration

Czech commentators have been pointing to several imminent official appointments to be made by President-elect Petr Pavel after he formally takes office on March 9. The list includes the top judge of the country's Constitutional Court.

• The imminent rotation of leadership at the Constitutional Court has been a source of controversy since outgoing President Milos Zeman signalled that he might try and fast-track the nomination of the court's chief, even as incumbent Pavel Rychetsky is not due to vacate his office until August.
• Zeman's plan has come under widespread criticism, with Pavel threatening to take legal action if the outgoing President decided to implement it. Media outlets cast doubt on the existence of legal opinions cited by Zeman after his office said it was not in possession of any such advice.
• During his trip to Belgrade today, Zeman reiterated that he has received opinions from "three leading representatives of the Czech judiciary" but will seek additional advice as a precautionary measure, before he makes the decision in the coming days.
• Zeman has also suggested that he might appoint Vladimir Krulis, the current chief of the Protocol Department in his office, to a senior (non-MPC) position at the CNB. Pavel commented that he will soon speak to CNB Governor Michl to remind him about the importance of central bank credibility.