Right-winger Petr Fiala is named as the Czech Republic's prime minister by Covid-hit President Milos Zeman. Fiala led the centre-right Together alliance comprising his Civic Democrats and two smaller parties to victory in October's general election. The alliance then teamed up with another grouping of two centrist parties to clinch a majority of 108 seats in the 200-seat parliament. It has already formed a new government which should be named in December. Zeman, who was expected to mediate the talks, was taken to hospital a day after the election on October 10. He stayed there until November 25, but shortly after his release he was rushed back as he had tested positive for Covid-19. Fiala's appointment ceremony at Zeman's residence outside Prague was held under strict measures including Zeman confined to a glass box. Zeman is now due to meet ministerial candidates. Fiala, a 57-year-old former political analyst, replaces billionaire populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES