Two separate stories unfolded in the Czech Republic this week, one involving a legal battle and the other a presidential visit. Former Dean Miroslav Ševčík's attempt to overturn his dismissal from the Faculty of National Economics at VŠE has failed, while President Petr Pavel spent time with soldiers in Vyškov.
Ševčík's Dismissal Upheld
The Municipal Court in Prague has dismissed the lawsuit filed by Miroslav Ševčík, the former dean of the Faculty of National Economics at VŠE. Ševčík had claimed his dismissal was politically motivated, but the court rejected this argument. The verdict is final, although Ševčík retains the option to file a cassation complaint. This marks the end of his legal challenge against the university's decision.
The details surrounding Ševčík's dismissal and the specific reasons cited by the university remain somewhat unclear, but the court's decision underscores the finality of the situation. The case has drawn considerable attention, given Ševčík's prominent position and the allegations of political interference.
President Pavel's Visit to Vyškov
Meanwhile, President Petr Pavel paid a visit to soldiers stationed in Vyškov. The visit was far from a dry, formal affair. The President sampled garlic soup prepared in a new military field kitchen, served directly into an esus (a type of field mess kit). He also experienced an upside-down ride on a state-of-the-art simulator, showcasing the modern training methods employed by the Czech military.
“A proper gift must splash,” someone apparently said, as President Pavel received a bottle of slivovice on his way back to Prague Castle. 
The visit served as an opportunity for the President to observe the soldiers' training progress and engage with them in a less formal setting.
A Contrasting Week
The two events – Ševčík's legal defeat and Pavel's military visit – highlight different facets of Czech society. One is a story of legal challenges and institutional decisions, while the other is a more lighthearted account of presidential engagement with the armed forces. 
Both, however, offer a glimpse into the current affairs of the Czech Republic.
The visit to Vyškov was primarily to check on the progress of their training and to show support for the men and women in uniform.