On Tuesday, June 22, 2021, Czech President Petr Pavel began an official two-day visit to Prague, commencing with a visit to the Cimburkova Elementary School in Žižkov. This visit marks an important moment as Pavel becomes the first Czech president to officially visit the capital during his term, distinguishing himself from his predecessor, Miloš Zeman.

During his visit, President Pavel has a busy schedule, engaging in various meetings and activities. After his initial visit to the elementary school, Pavel paid his respects to the victims of communism at the memorial on Újezd. Subsequently, he held discussions with Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS) to address pertinent education issues, particularly the recent challenges surrounding high school entrance examinations.

The first day’s program concluded with the ceremonial opening of the T. G. Masaryk Presidential Library at the Masaryk Institute and Archives of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Libeň, emphasizing the significance of preserving and promoting the country’s rich historical and intellectual heritage.

Moving forward to the second day of his visit, President Pavel, accompanied by the presidential couple, is scheduled to visit the Center for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP). There, he will participate in a crucial debate on housing affordability, an issue of growing concern in Prague. The debate is organized by the Institute for Planning and Development of the City of Prague (IPR), bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss potential solutions and strategies.

Furthermore, President Pavel’s itinerary includes a visit to the construction site of the newly built metro line D, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and improving public transportation in the capital. Later in the afternoon, he will meet with clients of the low-threshold community center Jahoda in Černý Most, highlighting the importance of social welfare and community support initiatives.

President Pavel’s visit to Prague is part of his broader regional tour, aiming to connect with citizens and local leaders throughout the country. By engaging in discussions on education, housing, and infrastructure, Pavel demonstrates his dedication to addressing the pressing issues that impact the lives of Czech citizens. Through these interactions and initiatives, President Pavel aims to strengthen cooperation and find effective solutions for the betterment of the country and its people.

Article by Prague Forum