Czech news in brief for February 7: Saturday's top morning headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel said he expects to give a statement to police next week over text messages sent by Foreign Minister Petr Macinka to presidential adviser Petr Kolář. Pavel said the messages, published in January, pressured him to appoint a proposed minister and showed signs of political blackmail. Macinka has rejected the claim, calling the texts standard political negotiation. Police are reviewing the case, which is being handled by the National Organized Crime Agency.

Czech athletes David Pastrňák and Lucie Charvátová expressed enthusiasm after serving as flag bearers at the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Pastrňák led the Czech team at the ceremony in Milan’s San Siro stadium, while Charvátová represented the delegation in Cortina. Both described the experience as an honor, highlighting the atmosphere and significance of leading the Czech team at the Games’ opening.

Czech film actress Jana Brejchová has died at the age of 86, Czech media reported, citing her family. Often described as one of the country’s greatest film stars, she appeared in more than 100 films over a six-decade career. She was best known for her role in A Night in Karlstein and earned multiple Czech Lion awards, including a lifetime achievement honor. Brejchová spent her final years out of public life due to illness.

An abandoned suitcase found on a Prague Metro Line B train triggered a security response Friday evening. Passengers were evacuated at Luka station, and the train was sent empty to a depot for inspection. Police, firefighters, and paramedics were deployed, and a police bomb disposal expert examined the luggage. Authorities later confirmed the suitcase contained only textiles, and no danger was found. Normal operations resumed after the incident.

The Regional Library in Liberec has become the first public library in Czechia to offer a complete collection of works by former president and playwright Václav Havel on a dedicated shelf. The collection includes several dozen titles published by the Václav Havel Library. While similar collections exist in schools and Czech centers abroad, Liberec is the first public library to host the project, which now operates in 28 institutions.