Czech president hospitalized; Could affect forming new govt
By KAREL JANICEK
Associated Press
PRAGUE (AP) — Czech President Milos Zeman has been rushed to the hospital a day after a parliamentary election in which he has a key role in establishing a new government. Prague’s military hospital has confirmed that Zeman is there. The 77-year-old is a heavy smoker who has diabetes. The Czech presidency is largely ceremonial but the president chooses which politician can try to form a new government. On Saturday, populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis’ party surprisingly came in second to a coalition. Zeman is a Babis ally and the two men met Sunday. Zeman indicated earlier he could chose Babis instead of someone from the first-place coalition. Zeman’s spokesman says his hospitalization will not affect the formation of the new government.