Czech news in brief for December 29: Monday's top afternoon headlines

Czech state prosecutors have indicted President Petr Pavel’s driver over a February crash in Česká Čermná while allegedly intoxicated. The driver, a member of the president’s protection service, has been off duty since March. Originally investigated for endangerment under the influence, the case now charges breach of duty of a security force member. Conviction could bring up to two years in prison or a professional ban. The president was not involved in the accident.

A planned merger of Prague’s Motol University Hospital and Na Homolce Hospital, scheduled for January 2026, will not affect patient care, Petr Polouček, the hospital director, told the Czech Press Agency today. Services and medical teams will remain unchanged, while management aims to save more than 500 million crowns annually by centralising operations. The merger will create a single entity, the Motol and Homolka University Hospital, in a move seen as unique in the Czech healthcare sector.

Nearly 563,000 driving licences will expire in Czechia in 2026, the Transport Ministry said. The highest numbers are in Central Bohemia, South Moravia, Prague and Moravia-Silesia. About one-third of applicants will be drivers over 61. Licences can be replaced up to three months in advance, in person or online, and must still be held even if not carried while driving. Read more annual updates for drivers here.

As the holidays come to a close, stores face a surge in gift returns. Lawyer Jakub Svoboda told Czech Television that online purchases can be returned within 14 days, even if they have been opened, provided proof of purchase is available. In-store returns depend on the seller’s policy. Faulty items can be exchanged, but perishable goods and date-specific gift vouchers are generally non-returnable. Consumers should check conditions before attempting to return gifts.

Czech police have proposed charging former MP Dominik Feri with another rape, involving a then 17-year-old girl, Prague 3 prosecutor Pavel Polak told iRozhlas.cz. Feri, already serving three years for rapes and attempted rape, denies guilt. The case was initially shelved, but the Constitutional Court ruled the alleged condom removal during consensual intercourse could constitute rape. Prosecutors now review the completed investigation to determine whether charges will be filed.