Petr Pavel sworn in as president of the Czech Republic

Petr Pavel took the presidential oath at Prague Castle starting his five-year term in office today.

MPs, senators, government members, regional governors, other elected officials, and honorary guests attended the ceremony in the Castle's Vladislav Hall.

Pavel, who was elected Czech president in late January, replaced Miloš Zeman, whose second and last five-year term ended at midnight.

Pavel arrived at the Castle with his wife, Eva, in a limousine shortly before noon. Chamber of Deputies chairwoman Markéta Pekarová Adamová chaired the joint session. Lawmakers and other guests gave Pavel a long round of applause when he entered the Hall.

He placed his hand on the Czech Constitution and recited the oath, which he had memorized, in front of Senate chairman Miloš Vystrčil at a joint session of both houses of the Czech parliament. Lawmakers again applauded.

Shortly afterward, guns fired 21 salvos from the nearby Petřín and then the Czech national anthem was played in the hall.

Pavel then delivered his 15-minute inauguration address saying that will soon release a plan of specific goals for the first 100 days in his office. He also said the Czech society was not split. He said the election result showed that people preferred truth and decency over hateful attacks and perversion of facts.

He also pointed out he wanted to return to his country dignity, respect, decency, and other values that have been neglected in past.

All people, both those who gave him their votes in the election and those that have voted for some of his opponents, as his new team, he added.

Pekarová Adamová said she hoped the new president would manage to fulfill not only his own expectations but above all those that the public connected with him.

"At the same time, I wish you the resolution to build, protect and develop the Czech Republic in the spirit of the inviolable values of human dignity and freedom," she said.