PRAGUE (Reuters) – Czech President Milos Zeman was taken to hospital on Sunday, bringing uncertainty at a key period when the president is due to lead political talks on forming a new government after a parliamentary election https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/czechs-vote-final-day-election-pm-babis-seeks-cling-power-2021-10-08.

According to a spokeswoman from the Central Military Hospital of Prague, Zeman is currently in hospital and will be briefed by the hospital director at 2 pm (1200 GMT).

Reporters witnessed an ambulance departing the presidential chateau in Lany (west of Prague), shortly after Zeman received Prime Minister Andrejbabis.

After the meeting, neither Zeman’s nor Babis’ offices had made any comments.

Jiri Ozacek, Zeman’s spokeswoman, said that President Zeman had been admitted to the hospital. However, he did not provide any further details.

Ovcacek stated on Twitter that Milos Zeman accepted to be admitted at Prague’s Central Military Hospital following a recommendation by his attending physician Professor Miroslav Zavoral (NYSE:).

“The President was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, October 10.”

According to the presidential office, Zeman was ill. He spent 8 days in hospital. However, officials are not providing details about his current condition.

Babis’ centre-right ANO party lost to the centre on Saturday in the parliamentary elections.

Together, the Liberal Pirates/Mayors Coalition between them won the 108-seat lower chamber and stated that they intend to form a government.

Babis admitted Saturday that Together had won more votes in coalition but he didn’t signal an intention to move into opposition. He said, “If the President authorizes me to do so I will lead negotiations on forming a Cabinet.”

The Czech Republic’s president is responsible for negotiating with leaders of the parties after the elections in order to achieve a working majority.

Constitutionally, any individual can be appointed prime minister by the president and instructed to nominate a Cabinet. The new cabinet will need to face the confidence vote at the lower house within one month after its election.

Zeman stated before the election that he would nominate the leader of the largest winning party and not a coalition to attempt to form a government.

Babis is the best candidate, because the ANO has won the most votes.

Zeman is an ally to Babis and has not commented on the next steps after the election results.

The constitution gives the power to the president to appoint a prime minister to the speaker of lower house, if the position in the presidency has been vacated.