How Covid-stricken Czech prez named Petr Fiala new PM in an unusual ceremony

• Right-winger Petr Fiala was named Czech Republic's new prime minister in an unusual ceremony. Wheelchair-bound President Milos Zeman spoke from behind a plastic barrier as he has Covid-19. Fiala will face the urgent task of grappling with one of the world's highest Covid infection rates. PM Modi congratulated Fiala over his appointment & said he looks forward to working with him. The 57-year-old leader has led the conservative Civic Democratic Party since 2014. Petr Fiala has also served as that country's Education Minister between 2012-2013. Fiala teamed his Civic Democratic Party with two smaller parties to form the Together alliance. The grouping includes the centrist Christian Democrats and the centre-right TOP 09 parties. They narrowly beat the ANO movement of outgoing PM Andrej Babis in last month's general election. It has since forged a coalition with two centrist parties - Mayors & Independents, Pirate Party. The post-poll coalition was formed to secure a majority of 108 votes in the 200-seat parliament. The five parties have agreed on the composition of the future govt & on a policy statement.