Blood Transfusion at Prague Castle
- Where: Václav Havel Library, Ostrovní 13, Prague 110 00
- When: March 2, 2023, 19:00 – 21:00
In a number of respects, the new presidential administration of Petr Pavel is likely to more resemble the presidential era of Václav Havel than those of his direct predecessors in a substantial way. Just like Václav Havel, Petr Pavel will enter the position as a citizen candidate without major political experience, with all the advantages and disadvantages that entails. Like Havel’s initial team, his presidential team will likely be characterised by its civic pedigree – both determined to differentiate themselves from their predecessors’ rhetoric, style of work and approach. Similarly to Václav Havel, Petr Pavel wishes to emphasise openness, including the physical openness of the seat of the president itself. Just like the first Czech president, the new head of state wants to maintain a constant, open dialogue with both the media and the general public.
These similarities, as well as the unavoidable differences between the present and the days of 30 years ago, will be discussed by the designated head of the Office of the President, Jana Vohralíková, the designated presidential spokesperson, Markéta Řeháková, and architect Josef Pleskot, who should oversee the transformation of Prague Castle into the open and welcoming head of state’s residence, for all Prague residents, Czech citizens and visitors from abroad.This will be followed by recollections from Karel Schwarzenberg, who was Václav Havel’s head of office in 1990–1992, Havel’s first press spokesman, Michael Žantovský, and architect Miroslav Masák, who advised Havel on issues linked to the transformation of Prague Castle.