Czech news in brief for March 8: Saturday's top headlines

President Petr Pavel criticized Czech political parties for failing to find common ground on key issues, calling it his biggest disappointment in office. Despite hosting talks on pension reform last year, opposition leaders withdrew. Marking two years in office, Pavel pledged to maintain balance and sees the country’s future as a "Central European Finland." He also highlighted increased international engagement and public outreach.

The Czechoslovak Legionaries' Community expelled chairman Pavel Budinský, who is accused in a major corruption case at Prague's Motol University Hospital. Budinský, a former deputy director, and ex-hospital chief Miloslav Ludvík allegedly took bribes for contracts worth over CZK 4 billion. Police are investigating potential misuse of EU funds. Budinský remains in custody, and the Legionaries’ group will elect a new leader next year.

Firefighters in Hustopeče nad Bečvou continue efforts to clean benzene residue from rail tankers following last week's derailment and fire. The cleaning process, using steam generators, is expected to prepare the area for wreck removal, which could begin Sunday. Environmental monitoring is ongoing, with drones measuring air quality. The incident, which involved over 1,000 tons of toxic benzene, caused extensive contamination, with remediation expected to take at least two years.

The Czech military will offer voluntary summer military exercises for secondary school students from July 7 to Aug. 1. Over 500 students will participate, an increase from 127 in the pilot year. The training, including physical conditioning, first aid, and small arms training, will take place at seven locations. Successful participants will be sworn in as reservists, with options to join active reserves later.

The Czech Labor Office will close 80 branches by the end of 2025, continuing its planned reduction. The closures, which have faced protests, are part of a broader strategy to ensure staff safety and increase digital services. Over 400 employees will transfer to larger offices. The office will also expand its network with postal branches offering services, despite criticism over the lack of personalized support for clients.

Hundreds gathered in Prague’s Malostranské náměstí on Friday to support Ukraine, as U.S. aid delays raise concerns. Organized by Million Moments for Democracy, the event featured speeches urging European unity. Protesters held banners criticizing Russia and U.S. President Donald Trump. Speakers warned against weakening support for Ukraine, with musician Michael Kocáb cautioning that European disunity could have severe consequences.

Montenegro is making strong progress toward EU integration, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said during talks in Podgorica. He met with President Jakov Milatović, Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović, and Deputy PM Filip Ivanović to discuss EU accession and business ties. Lipavský, accompanied by a Czech defense industry delegation, also visited Albania, where he spoke with leaders about cooperation and European integration. Montenegro aims to conclude accession talks by 2026.

As European countries consider reinstating mandatory military service in response to growing security concerns, Czechia remains hesitant. While Germany and Poland have introduced conscription measures, Czech leaders, including Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Defense Minister Jana Černochová, oppose mandatory service. The Czech Army faces recruitment challenges, with only 23,600 personnel and minimal reserves. Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka warns that 14,000 additional troops are needed.

A new website connects tourism with the popular game Kingdom Come: Deliverance, inviting visitors to Kutná Hora, Malešov, and other locations. Supported by Warhorse Studios, the project offers interactive trails, escape games, and historical tours. It is a collaboration between CzechTourism and regional institutions. Following the successful launch of Kingdom Come 2, organizers expect increased interest in these historic sites.

Rail traffic on the main railway line near Ostrava was disrupted Friday evening after a train struck a pedestrian between Jistebník and Polanka nad Odrou. The accident occurred around 6:30 p.m., with delays lasting until around 10:00 p.m. Some trains were replaced by buses. Police confirmed the victim did not survive but did not disclose further details. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Czech government’s proposed migration bill aligns with election-season politics rather than an urgent issue, political scientist Oldřich Bureš tells Czech News Agency. While the bill aims to tighten deportation policies and asylum procedures, Bureš noted that migration numbers remain low. He emphasized that migration restrictions are a Europe-wide trend but warned that political sensitivity often outweighs empirical data in shaping policy.