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Summary for: Czech news in brief for February 14: Saturday's top afternoon headlines
Warning issued for heavy snowfall in Czechia
Winter weather alert
Warning issued for heavy snowfall in Czechia
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a warning for snowfall across much of Czechia from Saturday into Sunday morning. Northern, central, and eastern Moravia, Silesia, and southern Bohemia could see 5–15 centimeters of snow overnight. Cold temperatures will allow a continuous snow cover to form, creating hazardous snow drifts, especially in the east and northeast. Snowfall is expected to ease by Sunday afternoon.
European security
Pavel: U.S. must pressure Russia
Czech President Petr Pavel said today in Munich that the United States must increase political pressure on Russia to force it to negotiate peace with Ukraine. Speaking at a Ukraine-focused event on the sidelines of the security conference, he said Moscow is not mentally ready for talks. Pavel backed continued support for Kyiv and said Russia must see negotiations as the only path forward to end the war.
Gas leak in Prague
Prague gas leak disrupts transport
A gas leak in Nádražní Street, in Prague's Smíchov neighborhood, disrupted local transport on Feb. 14. Four fire units responded, measuring gas levels in the area and nearby metro station, with no evacuation needed. A gas company team and heavy machinery were deployed to secure the damaged pipeline. Authorities partially closed the street for safety, and work to stop the leak is ongoing, potentially extending the disruption.
Munich conference
Czech Foreign Minister praises Rubio speech
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka praised U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s address at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14, saying he would endorse every word. Macinka highlighted the need for Europe to be more self-reliant while maintaining strong U.S. ties. He also held bilateral talks, including with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, focusing on European policy, energy, and industrial cooperation.
Top Czech influencers
YouTuber Kovy remains most popular Czech influencer
YouTuber Karel “Kovy” Kovář remains the most recognized influencer in Czechia, followed by singer and actress Domi Alagia, according to a biannual survey by the VŠE Faculty of Business Administration. The top five also include Anna Šulc, Denisa Kouřílková (Sugar Denny), and Jan Macák (MenT). The study of 400 respondents aged 15–34 found Instagram most widely used, followed by YouTube and Facebook, while TikTok usage remains below 50 percent.
POLL RESULTS: With staged marriage proposals increasingly taking over scenic public spots in Prague, we asked readers whether such setups should require a permit. A clear majority, 80 percent, said permission should be required if public space is blocked. Eleven percent favored permits only for large setups, while 9 percent opposed restrictions altogether. Visit the homepage to vote.
