Czech news in brief for June 3: Tuesday's top headlines

President Petr Pavel warned this afternoon that the bitcoin scandal linked to outgoing Justice Minister Pavel Blažek could seriously damage public trust in Czech institutions and harm the country’s international image. Speaking to the lower house, Pavel urged a thorough and transparent investigation, saying those responsible must be held accountable. He said the investigation into the matter will be of interest not only to politicians but also to the public. 

Opposition leader Andrej Babiš said Tuesday his ANO movement will "definitely" call a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s coalition, accusing it of criminal behavior. Babiš told media outlet Deník.cz the cabinet “must end” and labeled the Civic Democrats a “criminal organization.” The move follows a bitcoin donation scandal tied to then-Justice Minister Pavel Blažek, who since has resigned. The opposition lacks a clear majority, but will demand the government’s resignation in a Thursday parliamentary session.

Czech President Petr Pavel on Tuesday warned lawmakers that leaving the European Union or NATO would jeopardize the nation’s core interests. In a speech to the lower house of parliament, he emphasized unity amid global instability and stressed that membership in both organizations is essential for Czechia’s security and prosperity. Referencing the war in Ukraine, Pavel urged resilience and cautioned that political divisions must not undermine the country’s international alliances.

The National Heritage Institute has endorsed a plan to reconstruct the historic railway bridge at Výtoň, supporting a study by the Endowment Fund for the Preservation of the Vyšehrad Bridge. The plan offers minimal traffic disruption and meets technical needs, including a third track. The Railway Administration had planned to replace the bridge, prompting opposition from preservationists. A UNESCO advisory mission recently also recommended preserving the landmark, which spans the Vltava River between Výtoň and Smíchov.

A bus carrying schoolchildren crashed into a tree Tuesday near the town of Zlaté Hory (Olomouc), injuring 21 children and one teacher, police said. All injuries were minor. The bus veered off the road while descending toward a parking lot and struck a tree. Czech and Polish emergency crews responded, transporting the injured to hospitals in Jeseník and Krnov. Police confirmed the driver was sober. About 50 people, mostly children, were on board and exited the bus unassisted.

Eva Decroix will become Czech justice minister on June 10, Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced Tuesday. Fiala said he and President Petr Pavel agreed on her appointment, which follows the resignation of Pavel Blazek over a controversial bitcoin donation. Decroix, 43, is deputy chairwoman of the Civic Democrats and has served in parliament since 2021. Fiala called her selection the best choice for restoring trust amid the donation controversy.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima arrived in Prague Tuesday for a two-day state visit focused on strengthening Czech-Dutch ties. Their agenda includes meetings with President Petr Pavel and top officials, visits to Prague Castle, People in Need, and Radio Free Europe. Events also spotlight support for Ukraine and disinformation resistance. A Dutch ballet performance will conclude the visit, honoring Czech leaders.

Russian Ambassador Alexander Zmeyevsky said Czech-Russian relations are “practically zero,” citing recent tensions over Soviet monuments and lack of contact with new Czech envoy Daniel Koštoval. The Russian embassy condemned vandalism of a Red Army statue in Přerov. The Czech side insists the memorial isn’t a war grave. Relations have worsened since the 2014 Vrbětice explosions and Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

A Brno court ordered two hospitals and a physician to pay CZK 875,000 each to the parents of a boy who died from sepsis after a 2017 tooth extraction. The ruling, which found breaches in medical care, is not final. Experts said the infection was mishandled, and earlier treatment with stronger antibiotics could have saved the child. The parents had originally sought higher compensation but acknowledged some neglect.

About 65 percent of Czechs plan to spend their summer vacation in the country, up four points from last year, according to a CzechTourism survey. Interest in trips abroad dropped to 57 percent. Domestic vacations average nine days, with most spending going toward accommodation. Top destinations include South Bohemia and South Moravia. The trend reflects growing support for local experiences and producers, with 77 percent of travelers tasting regional foods.

Modern obesity drugs are now available in the Czech Republic but cost CZK 2,500–8,500 per month, with no insurance coverage. Doctors urge reimbursements for high-risk patients. Bariatric surgery, covered by insurance, remains the most effective option. Experts stress combining medication with diet and exercise. Childhood obesity is rising, prompting early interventions. Despite effectiveness, access remains limited due to cost, making long-term treatment challenging for many.