Czech news in brief for June 2: Monday's top headlines

A Przewalski’s horse escaped in Prague on Monday while being transported to the Kbely airport for a flight to Kazakhstan, prompting a temporary traffic disruption on the Prague Ring Road. The stallion, named Wisky, broke through his crate near Černý Most. Police and Prague Zoo staff recaptured him and administered anesthesia. Zoo director Miroslav Bobek confirmed Wisky is returning to the zoo, while the remaining three horses continued safely to the airport.

Czech President Petr Pavel on Monday rejected opposition calls for the entire government to resign over a controversial bitcoin donation from the former minister of justice, saying such a move four months before elections would not benefit the country. Speaking at a summit in Vilnius, Pavel stressed the issue must be resolved clearly. The two leaders are set to discuss next steps by phone.

Four trade unions at Smartwings, Czechia’s largest charter airline, declared a strike alert Monday, citing a long-term pilot shortage, overwork, sudden schedule changes, and poor communication from management. The unions are demanding immediate corrective action and plan to reassess the situation in 10 days, warning that a strike could follow. The move reflects growing labor tensions at the carrier, which serves major domestic travel agencies. Smartwings has not yet commented on the alert.

Billie Eilish set a new attendance record at Prague’s O2 Arena on Sunday, drawing 20,209 fans—surpassing Metallica’s 2018 record. Arena officials credited the stage’s central placement for maximizing space. Eilish performed songs from her acclaimed album Hit Me Hard and Soft, which recently won Album of the Year at the American Music Awards, where she also earned Artist of the Year. The sold-out concert marked her second time headlining the Czech venue.

Czechia has spent significantly more than the EU average on environmental protection, but results are falling short, the Supreme Audit Office said Monday. Following 11 inspections from 2018 to 2024, auditors found persistent issues like air pollution, high emissions and poor recycling. Weak strategic planning, slow project rollout, and poor oversight were cited as key problems. Nearly CZK 72 billion were allocated between 2014 and 2020, yet disputes among ministries hamper effective progress.

Czech President Petr Pavel congratulated Karol Nawrocki on his narrow victory in Poland’s presidential election. Nawrocki, representing the opposition Law and Justice party, won with 50.9 percent of the vote, defeating Rafael Trzaskowski. Pavel expressed hope for continued democratic development and strong Czech-Polish cooperation under Nawrocki’s leadership, praising outgoing President Andrzej Duda’s cooperation on foreign and security policies. Voter turnout was 71 percent.

Severe thunderstorms are expected across Czechia on Monday, bringing high winds, hail, and intense rain, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Flash floods and overflowing streams are possible. Sunday's storms already caused flooding in Dalešice, affecting 20 to 30 homes. Firefighters remain active. The public is advised to monitor flash flood forecasts and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.

A major Labor Code amendment, known as the "flexinovela," takes effect in Czechia, altering rules for notice and probation periods, shift scheduling, and job protections for parents. Notice periods now start upon delivery; probation can extend up to eight months. Teens can work from age 14 with consent. The law also counts caregiving and doctoral studies as work experience, boosts certain benefits, and adjusts unemployment support starting January.

A 47-year-old Iranian man was fatally shot by police near Schirnding, Germany, after fleeing a border check and firing at officers. Authorities say he was returning from Czechia with several hundred grams of crystal meth. Czech officials confirmed the case is unrelated to illegal migration. Police attempted to revive the man but failed. No officers were hurt. The shooting is under investigation in Hof, Bavaria.

Czech baby boxes, once controversial, are celebrating 20 years of operation, having saved 277 infants since inception. Most children were adopted, reunited with relatives, or later returned to their birth families. One such child, Dominika, now a teen, expressed gratitude for her adoptive parents and harbors no resentment toward her biological mother. The program continues to provide a lifeline for newborns in crisis.

A new survey shows nearly 30 percent of Roma women in Czechia have experienced domestic violence. Conducted by Slovo 21 and Ipsos, the study found most victims turned to family, not institutions. Physical and psychological abuse were most common. Many cited fear and financial dependence as reasons for silence. Most respondents said the issue needs more public discussion and awareness.

British metal legends Iron Maiden thrilled 60,000 fans at Prague’s Letňany airport, marking their 50th anniversary. Performing rare tracks from nine albums, the band wowed audiences with pyrotechnics and nostalgic hits. Halestorm opened the show. Weather briefly dampened the pre-show crowd, but skies cleared. Fans packed nearby venues, and transit was extended to handle the crowd. The band, formed in 1975, remains a Czech favorite.

Czech and Austrian police arrested two men and a woman for stealing Lego kits worth nearly CZK 10 million. The suspects broke into Austrian buildings and hid the kits in containers in South Bohemia. Trucks rented in Czechia were used for transport. One suspect had false documents. They face charges in Austria including theft and money laundering, police said.