Czech news in brief for August 14: Wednesday's top headlines

Over 35 percent percent of people in Czechia have a negative attitude towards artificial intelligence (AI), according to a survey conducted by NMS Market Research for Raiffeisenbank. This skepticism is more prevalent in the older generation and decreases with higher education and income. Only six percent of respondents regularly use AI, with younger age groups being more likely to use it. There is also a lack of trust in AI's safety, with 36 percent of respondents expressing concerns about its use in banking.

The Czech Republic is experiencing what is the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius in most areas and up to 37 degrees Celsius in South Moravia. The night will also be warm, with temperatures not dropping below 20 degrees Celsius in any part of the country’s lowlands. Meteorologists warn of potential fire hazards and have issued a fire warning in parts of Bohemia. Thunderstorms are expected to bring some relief from the heat in the evening and at night.

Water is seeping into the entrance hall of the Muzeum metro station due to reconstruction work on the ceiling slab, according to Prague Public Transport Company spokesperson Daniel Šabík. This is expected and will continue throughout the duration of the work – it will not affect metro service. The reconstruction of the ceiling is part of the construction of a new tram line in Wenceslas Square, which began in June and will last three years. This project will cost CZK 1.24 billion and will also bring modifications to the upper part of the square. 

Jiří Lobotka, a former volunteer guardian in Bohemian Switzerland National Park that last year was charged with starting a forest fire, and will remain behind bars, according to prosecutor Klára Kubátová. Facing up to 15 years in prison, Lobotka pleaded guilty to smaller fires but denies causing the largest fire in Czech Republic's history. Due to his mental state, the court adjourned the trial after Lobotka appeared confused and was unable to participate.

Russian Orthodox priest Nikolai Lishchenyuk has been ordered to leave the Czech Republic within a month after the Constitutional Court rejected his complaint against the cancellation of his permanent residence permit. In early August, the Interior Ministry declared Lishchenyuk an undesirable person, citing security concerns linked to his alleged involvement in supporting separatist tendencies in the EU with Russian backing.

Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann defended extended border checks with Czechia, Austria, Poland, and Switzerland, stating they will continue beyond Dec. 15 if necessary. The checks initially introduced to combat illegal migration and people smuggling will remain until the EU's new asylum system is operational, expected in 2026. The Green Party criticized the checks, citing their ineffectiveness and burden on border regions.

South Moravia will see temperatures exceed 34°C today, with similar heat expected in Polabí, Prague, and central and southeastern Moravia on Wednesday. Other regions will experience slightly lower temperatures. Due to ongoing dry and hot conditions, a fire warning is in effect for South Moravia. Heavy storms with rain, wind, and hail may occur in parts of Bohemia this afternoon and evening.

The opposition ANO movement expelled Chomutov Mayor Marek Hrabáč amid corruption allegations, ANO chairman Andrej Babiš announced. Hrabáč was removed from the candidate list for the upcoming regional elections, and the movement will donate his CZK 397,430 contributions to charity. ANO also urged the Ústí nad Labem regional organization to expedite Hrabáč’s removal from his mayoral position. He faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted.

The Letní Letná festival of new circus and theater will feature 253 performances from August 15 to September 1 in Letenské sady. The 21st annual event opens with the French troupe Akoreacro performing "Arrêt d'Urgence" near the Prague metronome. The festival will host artists from nine countries, including Taiwan, France, and Ukraine, and includes free open-air shows, workshops, and a painting exhibition.