Czech news in brief for May 31: Saturday's top headlines

A bear has been sighted roaming near Luhačovice, in Czechia's Zlín Region, local hunters reported Friday. The animal was first seen in Petrůvka on Thursday and later captured by a trail camera near Goliáška. Wildlife experts say such sightings are common, as the Vizovice Hills lie along a bear migration corridor. Authorities advise the public to stay calm if encountering a bear and not to approach it.

A man was killed in Pilsen early Saturday when a tram struck him and dragged his body for more than 500 meters, police said. The victim’s identity is unknown. Officers are investigating whether the man was riding between tram cars or if it was an accident. A court-ordered autopsy will determine the cause of death. The tram driver passed alcohol and drug tests.

A major exhibition showcasing women artists from 1300 to 1900 opens at the National Gallery in Prague this weekend. The show at the Wallenstein Riding School features around 150 works from Central Europe, the Netherlands and Italy, and includes rare loans from European museums. The gallery says the display aims to address historical gaps in the recognition of women’s contributions to art.

Strong storms with heavy rain, hail up to 3 cm, and winds near 90 kph are forecast across Czechia on Sunday, according to local meteorologists. Intense downpours may cause local flooding, especially in small streams, and damage to property or infrastructure. Storms may continue into early next week, with similar severe weather expected Monday in eastern and southeastern regions.

Ten municipalities in Southwest Bohemia have sued the Czech Environment Ministry over its approval of geological exploration for a planned nuclear waste repository near Horazdovice. The lawsuit includes a request to suspend exploratory drilling, expected to last up to two years. Local officials and activists have long opposed the repository, which could cost over CZK 100 billion and is planned for completion by 2050.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed he has a candidate to replace Justice Minister Pavel Blažek, who resigned over a controversial bitcoin donation case. Fiala said he would announce further details early next week but did not reveal a name. Blažek, who maintains he acted in good faith, stepped down to protect the government’s reputation. The case is under investigation for suspected abuse of authority and money laundering.

Opposition leader Andrej Babiš urged Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura to resign, asserting he must have known about the Justice Ministry's acceptance of bitcoin from a convicted drug trafficker. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek resigned over the matter, though he denied wrongdoing. Babiš contends the entire government should step down, labeling it the most corrupt ever.

Czech President Petr Pavel will attend the Bucharest Nine (B9) summit in Vilnius on Monday to discuss NATO's defense priorities, his office confirmed Thursday. The meeting will focus on bolstering NATO's eastern flank, increasing defense spending, and supporting Ukraine. Leaders from B9 nations, Nordic countries, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will participate. Pavel's visit includes opening a Czech-Lithuanian relations exhibition with Lithuania's First Lady.

Giant carbon filters have started operating in Hustopeče nad Bečvou to pump and treat benzene-contaminated groundwater after February’s train accident. The three 20-tonne filters, part of a remediation project led by Dekonta, will absorb toxins for shipment to Austria. Cleanup costs are not yet final, but the Railway Administration has signed contracts worth CZK 300 million. The site also includes flood protection barriers.

President Petr Pavel has dismissed Czech Technical University (ČVUT) Rector Vojtěch Petráček, following a proposal by the Academic Senate, the Presidential Office announced. The Senate cited Petráček's failure to manage the university’s finances, repeated disregard of recommendations, and transparency issues. Petráček’s term was to end in 2026. Vice-Rector Zbyněk Škvor is expected to lead the university in the interim.

A police officer accidentally left a gun unattended in a toilet in the lower house of parliament for several minutes on Wednesday, Seznam Zprávy reports. Martin Plíšek, head of the lower house office, said the responsibility lies with the Police Protection Service and its officer. He expects a detailed written report. The incident happened during a special event with heightened security. This follows a similar case in March, when an assistant to MP Helena Valková left a gun in a toilet.