President Petr Pavel returns from holiday and announces surprise dismissal before local elections

President Petr Pavel returned to the Czech Republic following a short vacation and promptly announced a surprise dismissal of a senior official. The decision was taken only hours before the start of the municipal election campaign, catching political observers off guard. Pavel conveyed the action in a concise message, noting that the timing was intended to ensure smooth functioning of local administration. No further details about the dismissed official were provided in the announcement. The move adds a new dynamic to the election atmosphere, as parties assess its potential impact on voter sentiment.