Czech President Milos Zeman was taken to hospital on Sunday, bringing uncertainty at a key period when the president is due to lead political talks on forming a new government after a parliamentary election.

A spokeswoman for the Central Military Hospital in Prague said Zeman, 77, was being hospitalised and the hospital director would give a briefing at 2 pm.

Reporters saw an ambulance leaving the presidential chateau at Lany, west of Prague, soon after Zeman met Prime Minister Andrej Babis.

Neither Babis&nbsp;nor Zeman's office had any comment after the meeting.

Zeman's spokesman, Jiri Ovcacek, confirmed the president had been taken to hospital, but gave no details of what was wrong with him.

"On the basis of a recommendation from his attending physician professor Miroslav Zavoral, Milos Zeman agreed to be hospitalised at the Central Military Hospital in Prague," Ovcacek said on Twitter.

"The president was hospitalised on Sunday, Oct 10."

The presidential office had previously said Zeman has been ill and he spent eight days in hospital last month. But officials have not given details of his condition.

Babis&nbsp;centrist ANO party narrowly lost the parliamentary election - which took place on Friday and Saturday - to the centre-right Together coalition, and seemed to have no chance of forming a ruling majority.

Together and the liberal Pirates/Mayors coalition between them won 108 seats in the 200-seat lower house and said they intended to form a government.

However, while Babis conceded on Saturday that Together won more votes as a coalition, he did not signal a move into opposition, saying "If the president authorises me to do so, I will lead talks on forming a cabinet".

In the Czech Republic, the president leads talks with party leaders after elections to find a workable majority.

Under the constitution, the president can appoint anyone as prime minister and instruct them to nominate a cabinet. A new cabinet must face a vote of confidence in the lower house within a month of its appointment. 
Zeman had said prior to the election that he would appoint the leader of the biggest winning individual party, not a coalition, to try to form a government.

This would be Babis, since the ANO won the most votes of any party.

Zeman, an ally of Babis, has made no comment on his next steps since the election results. 
Under the constitution, the president's authority to appoint the prime minister passes to the speaker of the lower house if the presidential position is vacated.

Czech President Milos Zeman was taken to hospital on Sunday, bringing uncertainty at a key period when the president is due to lead political talks on forming a new government after a parliamentary election.

Czech President Milos Zeman was taken to hospital on Sunday, bringing uncertainty at a key period when the president is due to lead political talks on forming a new government after a parliamentary election. A spokeswoman for the Central Military Hospital in Prague said Zeman, 77, was being hospitalised and the hospital director would give a briefing at 2 pm. Reporters saw an ambulance leaving the presidential chateau at Lany, west of Prague, soon after Zeman met Prime Minister Andrej Babis. Neither Babis nor Zeman's office had any comment after the meeting. Zeman's spokesman, Jiri Ovcacek, confirmed the president had been taken to hospital, but gave no details of what was wrong with him. "On the basis of a recommendation from his attending physician professor Miroslav Zavoral, Milos Zeman agreed to be hospitalised at the Central Military Hospital in Prague," Ovcacek said on Twitter. "The president was hospitalised on Sunday, Oct 10." The presidential office had previously said Zeman has been ill and he spent eight days in hospital last month. But officials have not given details of his condition. Babis centrist ANO party narrowly lost the parliamentary election - which took place on Friday and Saturday - to the centre-right Together coalition, and seemed to have no chance of forming a ruling majority. Together and the liberal Pirates/Mayors coalition between them won 108 seats in the 200-seat lower house and said they intended to form a government. However, while Babis conceded on Saturday that Together won more votes as a coalition, he did not signal a move into opposition, saying "If the president authorises me to do so, I will lead talks on forming a cabinet". In the Czech Republic, the president leads talks with party leaders after elections to find a workable majority. Under the constitution, the president can appoint anyone as prime minister and instruct them to nominate a cabinet. A new cabinet must face a vote of confidence in the lower house within a month of its appointment. Zeman had said prior to the election that he would appoint the leader of the biggest winning individual party, not a coalition, to try to form a government. This would be Babis, since the ANO won the most votes of any party. Zeman, an ally of Babis, has made no comment on his next steps since the election results. Under the constitution, the president's authority to appoint the prime minister passes to the speaker of the lower house if the presidential position is vacated.

Czech President Zeman taken to hospital at key post-election time

Czech President Milos Zeman, commenting on a Hungarian law that bans LGBT material from schools, told a television interview on Sunday that he finds transgender people "disgusting".

Zeman, who has often espoused views outside the mainstream, was responding to a question about the law Hungary passed earlier this month, which bans the dissemination of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-adopts-child-sex-abuse-law-that-also-targets-lgbt-community-391725">Hungary adopts child sex abuse law that also targets LGBT community</a>

"If you undergo a sex-change operation you are basically committing a crime of self-harm," Zeman told CNN Prima. "Every surgery is a risk and these transgender people to me are disgusting."

The Hungarian law has been strongly criticised by opposition parties at home, rights groups and by many of Hungary's fellow European Union members. At an EU summit last week, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Hungarian premier Viktor Orban to respect LGBT rights or leave the bloc.

More than half of the EU's 27 member states have opposed the law but so far the Czechs have not done so. Zeman said the condemnation amounted to meddling in a country's internal affairs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-confront-hungary-pm-over-lgbtq-law-393806">EU leaders confront Hungary PM over LGBTQ law</a>

Czech presidents have limited executive powers but Zeman and his predecessors have had a strong influence on public debate. The president has also leaned toward Russia and China and criticized immigration from Muslim countries.

"Viktor Orbán says that he is not against homosexuals, but that he is against the manipulation not only of parents, but also of children in sex education," Zeman said. "I see no reason to disagree with him, because I am completely annoyed by the suffragettes, the Me Too movement and Prague Pride. "

Unless it rows back on the law, Hungary faces a legal challenge at the EU's highest court. Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said Orban should also be subject to an as-yet untested procedure to cut EU funding for those who violate rules.

Orban, who has been Hungary's prime minister since 2010, has become more conservative and combative in promoting what he says are traditional Christian values from what he sees as excessive Western liberalism. Before last week's summit he told reporters the law was aimed at guaranteeing parents' right to decide on their children's sexual education.

Czech President Milos Zeman, commenting on a Hungarian law that bans LGBT material from schools, told a television interview on Sunday that he finds transgender people "disgusting".

Czech President Milos Zeman, commenting on a Hungarian law that bans LGBT material from schools, told a television interview on Sunday that he finds transgender people "disgusting". Zeman, who has often espoused views outside the mainstream, was responding to a question about the law Hungary passed earlier this month, which bans the dissemination of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change. Also read | Hungary adopts child sex abuse law that also targets LGBT community "If you undergo a sex-change operation you are basically committing a crime of self-harm," Zeman told CNN Prima. "Every surgery is a risk and these transgender people to me are disgusting." The Hungarian law has been strongly criticised by opposition parties at home, rights groups and by many of Hungary's fellow European Union members. At an EU summit last week, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Hungarian premier Viktor Orban to respect LGBT rights or leave the bloc. More than half of the EU's 27 member states have opposed the law but so far the Czechs have not done so. Zeman said the condemnation amounted to meddling in a country's internal affairs. Also read | EU leaders confront Hungary PM over LGBTQ law Czech presidents have limited executive powers but Zeman and his predecessors have had a strong influence on public debate. The president has also leaned toward Russia and China and criticized immigration from Muslim countries. "Viktor Orbán says that he is not against homosexuals, but that he is against the manipulation not only of parents, but also of children in sex education," Zeman said. "I see no reason to disagree with him, because I am completely annoyed by the suffragettes, the Me Too movement and Prague Pride. " Unless it rows back on the law, Hungary faces a legal challenge at the EU's highest court. Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said Orban should also be subject to an as-yet untested procedure to cut EU funding for those who violate rules. Orban, who has been Hungary's prime minister since 2010, has become more conservative and combative in promoting what he says are traditional Christian values from what he sees as excessive Western liberalism. Before last week's summit he told reporters the law was aimed at guaranteeing parents' right to decide on their children's sexual education.

Czech President Zeman calls transgender people 'disgusting'

The Czech Republic on Tuesday reopened its honorary consulate in Jerusalem, the CTK news agency reported, after President Milos Zeman voiced his wish to move the Czech embassy to the city from Tel Aviv.

The CTK named Dan Propper, a 78-year-old Israeli businessman of Czech origin, as the new honorary consul.&nbsp;

"I see my contribution as being especially focused on economic relations because I have links to the local entrepreneurial community," Propper told the CTK.&nbsp;

Opened in the early 1990s, the Czech honorary consulate in Jerusalem was closed in 2016 due to the death of the honorary consul.

The Czech Foreign Ministry vowed in April that the decision to reopen the honorary consulate had "no influence on the final agreement on Jerusalem" adding that Prague "fully respects the common position of the European Union that considers Jerusalem as the future capital of both states, that is to say, the State of Israel and the future state of Palestine."

US President Donald Trump broke with decades of policy, moving the US embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, infuriating Palestinians and intensifying protests on the Gaza border, with 60 killed in clashes with Israeli forces that day.

Trump's move ruptured generations of international consensus that Jerusalem's status should be settled as part of a two-state peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Palestinian Authority recalled its envoys to Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria after their ambassadors attended an Israeli reception marking the US embassy's move to Jerusalem.

Czech President Zeman, known for his pro-Israel stance, has repeatedly said he also wants to see his country's embassy transferred to Jerusalem.

The Czech Embassy (of Czechoslovakia then the Czech Republic) has been in Tel Aviv since 1949, except during the interruption of diplomatic relations under the former communist regime in Prague between 1967 and 1990.

Any decision to move the embassy would first need to be approved by the Czech government.

The CTK named Dan Propper, a 78-year-old Israeli businessman of Czech origin, as the new honorary consul

The Czech Republic on Tuesday reopened its honorary consulate in Jerusalem, the CTK news agency reported, after President Milos Zeman voiced his wish to move the Czech embassy to the city from Tel Aviv. The CTK named Dan Propper, a 78-year-old Israeli businessman of Czech origin, as the new honorary consul. "I see my contribution as being especially focused on economic relations because I have links to the local entrepreneurial community," Propper told the CTK. Opened in the early 1990s, the Czech honorary consulate in Jerusalem was closed in 2016 due to the death of the honorary consul. The Czech Foreign Ministry vowed in April that the decision to reopen the honorary consulate had "no influence on the final agreement on Jerusalem" adding that Prague "fully respects the common position of the European Union that considers Jerusalem as the future capital of both states, that is to say, the State of Israel and the future state of Palestine." US President Donald Trump broke with decades of policy, moving the US embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, infuriating Palestinians and intensifying protests on the Gaza border, with 60 killed in clashes with Israeli forces that day. Trump's move ruptured generations of international consensus that Jerusalem's status should be settled as part of a two-state peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority recalled its envoys to Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria after their ambassadors attended an Israeli reception marking the US embassy's move to Jerusalem. Czech President Zeman, known for his pro-Israel stance, has repeatedly said he also wants to see his country's embassy transferred to Jerusalem. The Czech Embassy (of Czechoslovakia then the Czech Republic) has been in Tel Aviv since 1949, except during the interruption of diplomatic relations under the former communist regime in Prague between 1967 and 1990. Any decision to move the embassy would first need to be approved by the Czech government.

Czech Republic re-opens honorary consulate in Jerusalem

Incumbent east-looking Milos Zeman won the first round of the Czech Republic&#39;s presidential election on Saturday but runner-up Jiri Drahos may pose a strong challenge in the second round in two weeks, nearly complete results showed.

Zeman&#39;s inclination towards far-right groups and his warm relations with Russia and China have split public opinion, with a sizeable chunk of the electorate favouring pro-western candidates, including 68-year-old academic Drahos.

Czech presidents have limited executive powers but Zeman and his predecessors have had a strong influence on public debate. They are also pivotal in forming governments -- which the European Union and NATO member country is now trying to do.

With votes from 97.6 percent of districts counted, Zeman led the race with 39.0 percent of votes, while Drahos had won 26.4 percent.&nbsp;

That means a run-off needs to be held. Several candidates running on platforms similar to Drahos scored high single-digit results and some of their voters may throw their support behind Drahos rather than Zeman in the Jan. 26-27 run-off.

&quot;This looks hopeful,&quot; Drahos told supporters and reporters at a Prague theatre after most results had come in. &quot;By far the toughest game now awaits against Milos Zeman and his advisers...Come to vote, come to vote, come to vote.&quot;

The vote is seen as a referendum on the 73-year-old Zeman, in office since 2013, who has criticised migration from Muslim countries and Germany&#39;s decision to accept many migrants.

A win by the soft-spoken, grey-haired chemical engineer Drahos could mean voices from the Czech leadership may shift closer to the EU mainstream.

&quot;I voted for professor Drahos because I want that someone who will not push us to the East and who will not be a disgrace,&quot; said lawyer Matej Gredl, 30, after he voted in Prague.&nbsp;

The outcome may also influence Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis&#39;s chances of forming a cabinet. His first attempt to rule in a minority administration is likely to be rejected by parliament next week.

Zeman has backed Babis and said he would give him another chance even though the billionaire businessman has struggled to get support from other parties while he battles police allegations that he illegally obtained EU subsidies a decade ago. Babis denies wrongdoing.

Policy shift

A former centre-left prime minister and backer of a federal Europe, Zeman has gradually shifted to positions criticising the EU, echoing and reinforcing public sentiment.

He has won endorsements from some mainstream groups as well as the Communist Party and the main far-right anti-EU and anti-NATO SPD party.

The Czech Republic has a tiny Muslim minority and has seen few of the hundreds of thousands of people coming to Europe in the past years to seek safety from war or a better life. Like Slovakia and Hungary, the Czechs have clashed with the European Commission over their refusal to accept migrants under quotas set by a vote by EU leaders.

Zeman has sought more trade and closer ties with China and has warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for the removal of EU sanctions on Russia over its annexation of Ukraine&#39;s Crimea to boost business.

&quot;If Zeman stays, it will bode well for the companies that he promotes, which have business interests in China and Russia,&quot; said Pavel Saradin, a political scientist at Palacky University.

He has strong support mainly in the countryside of the nation of 10.6 million people, and often snipes at Prague elites and the media.

&quot;The polarisation of society has deepened in the past months,&quot; Saradin said. &quot;Data also show a deepening rift between cities and the countryside.&quot;

Zeman's inclination towards far-right groups and his warm relations with Russia and China have split public opinion

Incumbent east-looking Milos Zeman won the first round of the Czech Republic's presidential election on Saturday but runner-up Jiri Drahos may pose a strong challenge in the second round in two weeks, nearly complete results showed. Zeman's inclination towards far-right groups and his warm relations with Russia and China have split public opinion, with a sizeable chunk of the electorate favouring pro-western candidates, including 68-year-old academic Drahos. Czech presidents have limited executive powers but Zeman and his predecessors have had a strong influence on public debate. They are also pivotal in forming governments -- which the European Union and NATO member country is now trying to do. With votes from 97.6 percent of districts counted, Zeman led the race with 39.0 percent of votes, while Drahos had won 26.4 percent. That means a run-off needs to be held. Several candidates running on platforms similar to Drahos scored high single-digit results and some of their voters may throw their support behind Drahos rather than Zeman in the Jan. 26-27 run-off. "This looks hopeful," Drahos told supporters and reporters at a Prague theatre after most results had come in. "By far the toughest game now awaits against Milos Zeman and his advisers...Come to vote, come to vote, come to vote." The vote is seen as a referendum on the 73-year-old Zeman, in office since 2013, who has criticised migration from Muslim countries and Germany's decision to accept many migrants. A win by the soft-spoken, grey-haired chemical engineer Drahos could mean voices from the Czech leadership may shift closer to the EU mainstream. "I voted for professor Drahos because I want that someone who will not push us to the East and who will not be a disgrace," said lawyer Matej Gredl, 30, after he voted in Prague. The outcome may also influence Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis's chances of forming a cabinet. His first attempt to rule in a minority administration is likely to be rejected by parliament next week. Zeman has backed Babis and said he would give him another chance even though the billionaire businessman has struggled to get support from other parties while he battles police allegations that he illegally obtained EU subsidies a decade ago. Babis denies wrongdoing. Policy shift A former centre-left prime minister and backer of a federal Europe, Zeman has gradually shifted to positions criticising the EU, echoing and reinforcing public sentiment. He has won endorsements from some mainstream groups as well as the Communist Party and the main far-right anti-EU and anti-NATO SPD party. The Czech Republic has a tiny Muslim minority and has seen few of the hundreds of thousands of people coming to Europe in the past years to seek safety from war or a better life. Like Slovakia and Hungary, the Czechs have clashed with the European Commission over their refusal to accept migrants under quotas set by a vote by EU leaders. Zeman has sought more trade and closer ties with China and has warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for the removal of EU sanctions on Russia over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea to boost business. "If Zeman stays, it will bode well for the companies that he promotes, which have business interests in China and Russia," said Pavel Saradin, a political scientist at Palacky University. He has strong support mainly in the countryside of the nation of 10.6 million people, and often snipes at Prague elites and the media. "The polarisation of society has deepened in the past months," Saradin said. "Data also show a deepening rift between cities and the countryside."

Czech presidential vote sets up Zeman-Drahos second round clash

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