The Czech Republic has a new president: Petr Pavel in his inaugural speech urged to be equal to Ukraine (photo)

Petr Pavel became the fourth president in the history of the independent Czech Republic.

On Thursday, March 9, newly elected Czech President Petr Pavel took the constitutionally mandated oath in the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle. After Vaclav Havel, Vaclav Klaus and Milos Zeman, he became the fourth president in the history of the independent Czech Republic.

According to iDnes, the oath was signaled by 21 solemn artillery salvos.

After the oath, Pavel addressed the people from the balcony of Prague Castle, and also unfurled the restored presidential standard, which in 2015 the Ztohoven group, protesting against the pro-Kremlin policy of his predecessor Milos Zeman, changed it on the roof of the Castle for red shorts.

On the crowded Hradcany square, the new head of state greeted the citizens with a handshake, signed autographs, and did not even refuse a selfie.

In the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, Pavel congratulated his guests and fans and announced his inaugural speech. These celebrations were attended by 850 guests, including deputies and senators of the Czech Parliament.

In the speech, he hinted at his wife Eva's role as the first lady of the Czech Republic, saying that she would focus on helping children and the elderly and preventive health care.

The Czech President also said that he would soon unveil a plan of specific goals for his first 100 days in office and promised to continue his visits to the regions and remain open to all people, as well as to cultural, social and educational events, returning transparent and regular communication.

Speaking about the future of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel called to follow the example of Ukraine.

“We are a medium-sized country with a unique location in the center of Europe… We can be a significant player in foreign policy with partners of similar scale and mindset. Most of them are in Europe. Let's learn how to use this position. We don't have to look far for inspiration. Ukraine has shown us and our partners that unshakable determination is more than the advantage and strength of an aggressor. It is a single Central European voice that will be important if we are to help Ukraine win. And not only our historical experience should be a reason to continue to support it. In the end, we also help ourselves,” the President of the Czech Republic stressed.

Recall, Czech President Petr Pavel intends to visit neighboring countries, as well as Ukraine, during the first hundred days of his tenure. In particular, to come to our country in April.