Czech news in brief for May 12: Monday's top headlines

New Czech envoy to Russia logical step, man dies in Prague apartment fire, and Czech healthcare funding model is unsustainable, says Chamber.

Expats.cz Staff ČTK

Written by Expats.cz StaffČTK Published on 12.05.2025 07:36:00 (updated on 12.05.2025) Reading time: 2 minutes

Diplomacy New Czech envoy to Russia logical step

Czech politicians said the appointment of diplomat Luboš Veselý Kostoval as ambassador to Russia is a logical move, not a policy shift. The Czech Republic has lacked a full ambassador in Moscow since 2022. Lawmakers from across parties warned against increasing embassy staff, citing espionage concerns, and stressed the need for basic diplomatic presence despite strained relations due to the Ukraine war and the 2014 Vrbetice blast.

Tragedy Elderly man dies, two injured in Prague fire

An 80-year-old man died and two elderly women were hospitalized following a nighttime apartment fire in Prague's Řepy district, police and emergency officials said Saturday. Firefighters evacuated around 30 people from the building and cited negligence as the likely cause. Damage is estimated at five million crowns. One woman suffered burns, the other smoke inhalation. Authorities brought in a bus to shelter evacuees during the emergency response.

sports Czech hockey faces Denmark, remains undefeated

The Czech national hockey team will take on host Denmark on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. in the Ice Hockey World Championship. Coached by Radim Rulík, the Czechs beat Switzerland 5-4 in overtime and edged Norway 2-1 in earlier matches. The team remains undefeated as it progresses through a group that includes the U.S., Germany, Hungary, and Kazakhstan. The championship follows the Czech Republic’s title-winning campaign last year.

weekend International dog groomers compete in Prague

The international GrooMasters dog grooming competition returned to Prague this weekend after a 13-year hiatus, drawing 140 groomers from across Europe and beyond. Participants competed in various categories showcasing their grooming skills. The event highlighted global trends in pet care and styling and brought together professionals from the growing dog grooming industry for a celebration of talent, creativity, and canine aesthetics.

healthcare Chamber warns Czech health funding unsustainable

The Czech healthcare system’s current funding model is unsustainable, economists and the Chamber of Commerce warned, projecting public health insurance costs to top one trillion crowns by 2040. They blamed demographic shifts and rising demand for expensive treatments. Experts urged reforms focused on prevention, efficiency, and revenue diversification. Political consensus remains elusive, especially on proposals to introduce paid upgrades for care, while opposition parties criticized alleged mismanagement.

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