KarolĆna Peake, the newly appointed Czech Defence Minister, started her tenure by dismissing three top defence officials on her first day on the job. The first deputy and former chief of staff, Gen. Vlastimil Picek, was let go, as well as armament section head Pavel Bulant and adviser FrantiÅ”ek Å ulc. The shakeup comes despite Peakeās earlier declaration of not making any significant personal changes once sheās in charge.
The new minister, a member of the junior coalition party LIDEM, explained she wants civilian control of the ministry and considers these positions to be political. The ministryās spokesperson, Jan Pejsek, said the first deputy post will be filled on the basis of an agreement between the government coalition parties. The dismissal surprised president VĆ”clav Klaus as well as the Prime Minister Petr NeÄas, who said he cannot comprehend the changes and will demand an explanation once he returns from Brussels.
