PRAGUE – Jiri Drahos, the former president of the Czech Academy of Sciences says he wants to run for president of the Czech Republic next year's election.
Jiri Drahos announced his candidacy on Tuesday.
The 68-year-old Drahos is considered a serious contender to unseat President Milos Zeman from the largely ceremonial post.
Drahos, who is not affiliated with a political party, says he wants the values of "truth, reason and decency" to win. He says he is worried about the rise of extremism and populism.
A professor of chemistry, he headed the academy from 2009 until recently.
Zeman, who divides the nation with his pro-Russia stance, support for closer ties with China and strong anti-migrant rhetoric, already announced he would seek re-election.
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