The incoming Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic's Armed Forces, Miroslav Hlaváč, symbolically received command of the army from his predecessor, Karel Řehka, at the Vítkov Hill in Prague. This took place during a ceremonial parade on the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic at the National Memorial on Vítkov Hill.

The outgoing Chief of the General Staff, Karel Řehka, presented the battle flag of the General Staff to Hlaváč during the ceremony. This act symbolically marked the change in the leadership of the army, which will officially take place on July 1, 2026. Hlaváč is assuming the position as the former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic's Armed Forces.

Prior to the ceremonial parade at Vítkov Hill, an official act took place at Prague Castle. President of the Republic Petr Pavel, at the proposal of the government, dismissed Karel Řehka from the position of Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces as of June 30, 2026, and appointed Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč to this position, effective July 1, 2026.

In addition to the new and outgoing Chiefs of the General Staff, the ceremonial event at Vítkov Hill was attended by President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Minister of Defense Jaromír Zůna, and Chairman of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil. The ceremony combined the official transfer of the highest military position with the commemoration of the Day of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.

Miroslav Hlaváč is taking command of the army at a time when the change in the leadership of the General Staff is taking place both formally and symbolically on the same day. The appointment at the Castle confirmed his assumption of office, while the presentation of the battle flag at Vítkov Hill represented the public culmination of the entire change.

gnews.cz - GH