Czech news in brief for June 7: Sunday's top morning headlines

Czechia marks a major religious milestone as two priests executed under the communist regime are beatified in Brno, while new figures show fewer people are saving for retirement despite government efforts to boost participation. Another survey highlights the scale of teacher-related harassment in schools, and Czech drivers face charges in a deadly crash in Bulgaria. Good morning, here’s your mix of today’s top headlines.

Czech Catholic priests Jan Bula and Václav Drbola, who were executed by the communist regime in the 1950s, were beatified during a Mass attended by more than 13,000 people in Brno on Saturday. The ceremony marked the culmination of a process that began more than two decades ago.

Historical context: The priests were convicted in connection with the Babice trials, which followed the killing of communist officials and were used to justify wider repression of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV approved their beatification last year, allowing them to be formally venerated by the faithful.

The number of people saving for retirement in Czechia fell by 4,000 to 3.91 million in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the Finance Ministry. Officials are preparing legislative changes aimed at increasing participation, particularly among younger savers.

Encouraging savings: The ministry plans new incentives, including a lifecycle investment strategy and lower fees, while encouraging higher long-term returns. Transformative pension funds, which can no longer accept new clients, are set to be phased out by 2036, with remaining participants automatically transferred to conservative funds.

Around 120,000 people in Czechia have experienced sexual harassment by teachers during their school years, according to a survey by NMS for the Konsent organization. A further 1.5 million people say they know of such cases from their surroundings.

Key findings: The research shows women are more frequently affected, and that most of the public considers teacher misconduct a serious problem. Experts say schools often fail to respond adequately and lack clear procedures for handling such cases.

Bulgarian prosecutors plan to charge two drivers holding Czech driver's licences over a fatal crash in Sofia that killed three people and injured 17 others. Police allege the men were taking part in an illegal street race when one vehicle struck a city bus and another crashed into a nearby bus stop.

Police statement: Investigators say both cars were traveling at speeds exceeding 150 kilometers per hour. Initial alcohol and drug tests were negative, but prosecutors have ordered laboratory blood analysis to determine whether other substances were involved.

A new pedestrian and cycling bridge linking Czechia and Poland has opened over the Olše River between Karviná and Hażlach, marking a joint infrastructure project supported by both countries and EU funding. The 70-meter Neighborly Bridge aims to improve cross-border cycling routes and boost tourism in the border region.

By foot to Poland: The bridge cost around CZK 47 million and was built over roughly one year. It connects existing cycling paths across the Těšín Silesia region, with officials highlighting its role in strengthening local cooperation and cross-border mobility.