Czech news in brief for July 26: Sunday's top afternoon headlines

On Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš condemned a deadly attack at an LGBT+ rights event in Berlin, while smoke from major wildfires in France and Spain reached Czech skies overnight. Meanwhile, forecasters are warning that another heatwave could bring temperatures close to 40 degrees later this week. Here’s your curated look at Sunday's headlines heading into the work week.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has condemned an attack on an LGBT+ rights event in Berlin, calling it a “cowardly and despicable act of terrorism.” The Czech prime minister expressed condolences after the incident, which German officials said appeared to be an Islamist extremist attack.

Terror attack: German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the attack killed one person and injured 29 others, including several people seriously hurt. Babiš linked the incident to broader migration debates, drawing criticism from some political opponents.

Smoke from major wildfires in France and Spain reached Czechia on Sunday morning, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Meteorologists said the smoke was detected high in the atmosphere and does not pose a health risk at ground level.

Key details: The smoke was recorded at altitudes between three and 4.5 kilometers above the surface. Wildfires across southern Europe have forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate.

In a Sunday afternoon TV debate, ANO lawmaker Taťána Malá said the governing coalition should find a strong candidate capable of defeating President Petr Pavel in the 2028 presidential election. She said the candidate should be nonpartisan and represent all voters, while criticizing Pavel’s actions as already resembling a campaign.

Challenger awaits: ODS MP Eva Decroix said her possible support for Pavel would depend on the other candidates. Pavel has not confirmed whether he will seek re-election but has said he will decide next year.

Czech artist, musician, and former National Gallery director Milan Knížák has died at the age of 86, Foreign Minister Petr Macinka confirmed. Knížák was a major figure in Czech contemporary art, known for his work across visual arts, music, design, and poetry, as well as his leadership roles at major cultural institutions.

Artist and leader: Knížák led the National Gallery from 1999 to 2011 and served as rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague from 1990 to 1997. His career was marked by both international recognition and controversy over his management style.

A new heatwave is expected to hit Czechia from Thursday, with temperatures forecast to rise toward 35–39 degrees Celsius by Friday. Meteorologists say some models suggest temperatures could approach 40 degrees in lowland areas, though possible storms may bring slight relief.

Weather risks: Forecasters warn that dry conditions will increase wildfire risks, with southern areas already facing severe drought. Any cooling is expected to be limited, and rainfall remains unlikely.