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Summary for: Czech news in brief for November 16: Sunday's top morning headlines
Czech ski season off to record-early start
1️⃣ Czech ski season off to record-early start
The Monínec ski area near Sedlec-Prčice opened its main slope on Saturday, launching the country’s ski season earlier than ever. Around 500 skiers turned out for the first runs on the 1,200-meter slope, made possible by technology that produces snow at higher temperatures. The resort, which also used stored snow from last winter, secured a new national record for the earliest season start, according to its director.
2️⃣ Ostrava protesters oppose Macinka, Turek in government
More than 100 people gathered in Ostrava Saturday to oppose the possible appointment of Motorists chairman Petr Macinka as environment minister and MP Filip Turek to the new government. Organizers said both men are unfit for office, citing Macinka’s rejection of climate science and Turek’s controversial social media posts. Demonstrators carried banners and marched through the city, urging the coalition to choose different nominees.
3️⃣ Prague Open tennis tournament moves to Štvanice
The Livesport Prague Open will move from Sparta’s Stromovka complex to Štvanice next July, returning women’s WTA tennis to the island for the first time since 2010. The event will run 20–26 July on courts near the Negrelli Viaduct. Organizers say the larger central court and better transport access will allow the tournament to grow, with presale ticketing set to begin early next year.
4️⃣ Prague Airport to take part in military drills
Prague’s Václav Havel Airport, ČEPS substations, and the Orlen Unipetrol refinery will join a nationwide military exercise next week focused on protecting critical infrastructure. The drills, running since Nov. 3, also test cooperation between territorial forces and other agencies, including support for NATO transit. Nearly 3,000 soldiers are training across all 14 regions, including about 2,000 active reservists.
5️⃣ Belgian king honors Pilsen university teacher
Belgium has awarded Pavla Kocourková of the University of West Bohemia the Order of Leopold for her long-term work commemorating Belgian liberators of Plzen. Kocourková has spent 20 years promoting their story through interviews, books and cooperation with veterans’ families. Belgian Ambassador Jurgen Van Meirvenne said her efforts helped make this year’s royal visit a success. Kocourková previously received the Order of Leopold II in 2017.
📊 YESTERDAY'S POLL With automatic metro door opening introduced to limit contact during the hepatitis A outbreak, opinions were split on the cleanliness of Prague’s public transport. Among 170 respondents, 48 percent said the system feels unclean, while 45 percent consider it clean enough and 7 percent find it very clean. Voting remains open—share your view here.
