The Prague monuments will be headed by Jiří Skalický from November

Prague - Jiří Skalický will become the new director of the municipal heritage department starting in November. He has previously led a non-profit organization responsible for the restoration of the national cultural monument Kuks and the acquisition of European funds. The city council approved his appointment, city councilor Václav Novotný (TOP 09) told reporters today. Skalický was previously recommended for the position by the selection committee.
     Skalický has been active in the field of heritage conservation and culture since the 1990s. He served as the custodian of Plasy Monastery for several years and also headed the culture and heritage department of the Central Bohemia Region.
     Skalický will replace longtime chief heritage officer Jan Kněžínek, who is behind some controversial decisions. Critics argue that the department under Kněžínek was too accommodating to certain investors and developers. However, Kněžínek disagrees with this. In July, Kněžínek left for the position of head of the UNESCO World Heritage office, which was recently established at the municipal office.