Czech news in brief for February 16: Monday's top morning headlines

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka engaged in a sharp exchange with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a panel at the Munich Security Conference. Macinka defended Donald Trump’s policies as a reaction to "woke" ideology and "climate alarmism," stating there are only two genders. Clinton retorted by questioning if such views justify "selling out" Ukraine. The confrontation has sparked intense debate in Prague, with opposition leaders labeling Macinka’s performance a national embarrassment. Read the full story here.

Zuzana Marešová, the last surviving "Winton child" living in the Czech Republic, has died at age 94. In 1939, she was one of 669 predominantly Jewish children rescued from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia by British humanitarian Nicholas Winton. Marešová spent the war in the UK before returning to Prague in 1945. Her passing marks the end of a living link to the historic Kindertransport rescue operations in the country.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts continued snowfall across the country through Wednesday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures. Bitter cold is expected mid-week before a significant warm front arrives ahead of the weekend. Commuters should prepare for icy roads and potential transport delays during the freeze. The subsequent thaw is expected to bring rain and rising river levels, significantly reducing snow cover in lower elevations.

The Milion chvilek (Million Moments for Democracy) association has announced a major public gathering scheduled for March 21 at Prague’s Letná Plain. Organized by former leader Mikuláš Minář, the event aims to address current political developments and mobilize civic engagement. Letná has historically hosted the largest post-1989 demonstrations in the Czech Republic. Organizers expect high attendance from residents and activists across the country.

Wildlife experts have confirmed the presence of North American raccoons just two kilometers from Prague’s borders. Tracking cameras recently captured the invasive species in the Berounka river valley. Biologists warn that the population will likely continue to expand into the capital due to a lack of natural predators. As an invasive species, raccoons pose risks to local ecosystems, particularly native bird populations, and can carry parasites dangerous to humans.