Námstek

Náměstek is a title used in the Czech Republic and Czech-speaking contexts to denote a deputy or assistant to a higher-ranking official, most commonly a minister in a government ministry. The role is typically political or administrative, and the náměstek supports the minister or department head in policymaking, supervision, and representation.

In the Czech government, ministries usually employ several náměstci (plural). They may oversee specific policy areas such as economy, education, health, or transport and act in the minister’s name in meetings, sign documents, coordinate interdepartmental work, and oversee the ministry’s administration and implementation of decisions. A náměstek may preside over internal meetings or committees and can be responsible for budgetary and management issues within the ministry. The post can be filled by civil servants, political appointees, or a combination, depending on the government’s structure and practices.

The title is also used outside national government. For example, in regional or municipal administration one might encounter náměstek hejtmana (deputy governor) or náměstek starosty (deputy mayor). In state‑owned enterprises or similar institutions, the term may appear as well, referring to a deputy who shares leadership duties with the top executive.

Náměstek is distinct from terms like zástupce (acting deputy) or pověřený (delegated or acting in charge). Zástupce generally denotes a temporary substitute without the same defined authority, whereas náměstek implies a formal, ongoing supervisory role with defined responsibilities within the organization.