Czech news in brief for April 23: Wednesday's top headlines

The Chamber of Deputies approved a bill this afternoon raising the age for mandatory health checks for older drivers from 65 to 70, citing improved health and activity among seniors. The new measure, expected to take effect next year, eliminates the need for drivers to carry medical fitness proof, with results stored in the driver’s registry. The bill also includes digital health initiatives, such as electronic vaccination cards and compulsory e-vouchers for medical devices. The Senate will review the proposal next.

Czechia is behind schedule in meeting its 2021 NATO commitments, including the construction of a heavy brigade set for completion next year, the Senate defense committee reported today. Committee chairman Pavel Fischer also raised concerns over insufficient airspace protection plans and army staffing. He called on the government to bolster defense efforts ahead of the NATO summit in June, stressing the need for enhanced defense capabilities to meet future NATO requirements.

The cleanup of contaminated soil and water following a train crash involving benzene tanks in Olomouc in late February will take at least six months, Environment Minister Petr Hladík said Wednesday after a crisis staff meeting. Containment barriers known as Larsen walls are reportedly working, but Hladík emphasized the need to extend the local state of emergency, currently expiring April 27, to restrict access and expedite urgent work. Authorities will decide by May 15 whether it is safe to fish or harvest vegetables from nearby areas.

Severe storms with torrential rain are forecast to hit eastern Czechia Thursday afternoon and evening, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said. Rainfall may reach 30 millimeters, and up to 50 in repeated storms. A warning is in effect from noon to 10 p.m. for parts of Hradec Králové, Pardubice, and South Moravia, and all of Olomouc, Zlín, and Moravian-Silesian regions. Meteorologists warn of flooding, runoff, and wind damage, especially in urban, mountainous, and vegetation-sparse areas.

Czech leaders condemned remarks by ex-Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, who appeared to threaten hockey legend Dominik Hašek. Medvedev, via TASS (Russia's state-owned news agency), advised Hašek to be cautious crossing roads and drinking beer in “untested places.” Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the comments unacceptable and warned against dismissing them, citing Medvedev’s senior role. Hašek, 60, had accused Medvedev of issuing death threats after he criticized Russia's Olympic participation. Czech authorities say protection for Hašek can be provided if needed.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala will attend Pope Francis’ funeral Saturday at the Vatican, the government has confirmed. Fiala, who previously met the Pope in 2022, will represent the Czech Republic following an agreement with President Petr Pavel. Pope Francis died Monday at his Vatican residence after battling pneumonia. During their meeting, Fiala and the Pope discussed support for Ukraine, with Fiala gifting him a Ukrainian scarf symbolizing peace. Some bishops, priests and believers from Bohemia and Moravia will attend the last farewell to the Pope at the Vatican.

A book of condolences for Pope Francis, who died Monday, was opened Tuesday at the Archbishop's Palace in Prague. Placed at the Archbishopric’s Hradčanské náměstí headquarters, the book allows the public to leave messages honoring the 266th Pope. Early signatories included Archbishop Jan Graubner and Auxiliary Bishop Václav Malý. Those who want to leave a message in the condolence book or just sign their names must first ring the bell at the entrance to the palace, where two black flags fly at the moment.

Prague’s Old Town Astronomical Clock will stop at 11 a.m. Wednesday to honor 148 people killed in speed-related crashes last year. The death knell will ring once for each victim, organizer Lucie Dosedělová said. The tribute is part of the National Day Without Haste, led by the Czech Insurance Association. Events, including a government meeting and a football semifinal in the Czech Republic, will begin 13 minutes late to symbolize time saved by illegal speeding from Prague to Brno.

Labor Office unions reached a deal Tuesday with Labor Minister Marian Jurečka and office head Daniel Kristof to boost salary funding and avoid layoffs, union officials said. The agreement ends a strike threat over pay and staff cuts. About 250 vacant positions will be officially abolished by June but no current employees will be dismissed. The unions had warned of protests since March, pending the outcome of negotiations on salary security and staffing levels.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday he will meet several global leaders soon, including Czech President Petr Pavel and Polish President Andrzej Duda. Zelenskyy hopes to see Duda at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Warsaw on April 28–29. Meetings are also planned with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Zelenskyy will attend the late Pope Francis’ funeral Saturday, where he aims to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.