A newspaper on Monday reported that Czech President Milos Zeman said he wants to use a wheelchair at public appearances in the future.

According to Monday’s edition of the newspaper, Pravo, the 76-year-old president said “I don’t see anything wrong with it at all.”

Provo added that the president said the condition of his legs was “unsatisfactory” because of a progressive nerve disease called neuropathy.

It said he would not give up and would continue to practice walking with the help of a walking stick in warmer temperatures.

Mr Zeman had taken the oath of office of the new minister of health, Petr Arenberger, in a sitting position on April 7 which led to speculation about his health.

Two years ago, the politician had announced his intention to cut down on smoking.

As president, Mr Zeman’s duties are mainly representative, but he is considered one of the country’s most important opinion-makers.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek expects to be recalled soon.

This was a political decision of the leadership of his social democratic party, the 39-year-old said.

He added that it was no secret that he had been a thorn in the president’s side for a long time.

Unlike Mr Zeman, Mr Petricek had spoken out against a possible import of the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V and against the participation of Russian companies in the expansion of the Dukovany nuclear power plant.

Former foreign minister Lubomir Zaoralek could take his place.

(dpa/NAN)