Former Czech President Milos Zeman has opened a new office in Prague where he plans to work once a week, receive visitors, and give interviews. The office is located on Jaselska in Prague 6 and is leased from the Prague Archbishopric. The rent is covered by the Friends of Milos Zeman association. Zeman arrived at the office at 11 am accompanied by security guards. His former aides from Prague Castle will help him run the new office, and his former spokesman Jiri Ovcacek will continue to be in charge of media affairs. Ovcacek announced that Zeman would also give an interview later that day to the Zivot v Cesku server.

The Friends of Milos Zeman association helped him return to politics after 2008 and later with his presidential campaign. The association rented the new office for Zeman from the XPlace Alfa real estate agency founded by the Prague Archbishopric. Karel Srp, former chairman of the Jazz Section and a founding member of the Friends of Milos Zeman association, was waiting for Zeman outside the building and brought photos to the former president.

Under the law, the former president is entitled to CZK 50,000 per month for the running of his office and the salary of his assistant. The sum has not been increased since the law came into force. At the same time, Zeman receives a monthly annuity of CZK 50,000 from the state, and a retirement pension of around CZK 23,000. He also has the use of an official car with a driver and police protection.

Zeman, who is 78 years old, was elected president of the Czech Republic in 2013 in the first direct presidential election and re-elected five years later. His second and final five-year term in office ended on 8 March. Zeman was previously the leader of the Social Democrats (1993-2001) and prime minister (1998-2002), and also headed the Chamber of Deputies (1996-1998). He is now living in his new house in Lany, west of Prague.

The opening of the new office marks a new chapter for Zeman as he continues to be an influential figure in Czech politics. Despite being a controversial figure due to his pro-Russian stance, he remains popular among his supporters. The new office will provide him with a platform to express his views and engage with the public. It remains to be seen what impact his new office will have on the political landscape in the Czech Republic

Article by Prague Forum