Czech news in brief for December 1: Sunday's top headlines

Czech government MPs are gathering signatures to remove opposition party ANO’s Karel Havlíček from his leadership position in the Chamber of Deputies. This follows opposition efforts to oust Chamber Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová, who is accused of bias. Pekarová Adamová and coalition partners deny the claims, calling the proposed action necessary to address procedural issues. Opposition debates have caused friction, with both sides blaming each other for delays and inefficiencies in parliamentary sessions.

Infant homes for children under three in the Czech Republic are set to close by the end of 2024, but some children are still being housed in them. Authorities are working to place the remaining children in foster care or alternative facilities. Temporary foster families have increased to 78 nationwide, with more being recruited. The government says preparations are on track despite opposition calls to delay the closures. Some facilities will be repurposed for other social services.

A man survived after jumping into the Vltava River from Prague's Čechův Bridge on Sunday morning. Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and paramedics, arrived promptly at the scene. Police officers from the river division rescued the man, who was found severely hypothermic but alive. He was then transferred to paramedics for further care. Authorities are investigating the reasons behind the incident, though they have not disclosed the man's identity or age.

The Czech Republic's Citizen Identity Portal has moved to the gov.cz domain to combat an increasing number of fraudulent websites. This transition was expedited by the Digital and Information Agency amid a rise in cyberattacks and fake websites promoting phishing schemes, especially around the holiday season. The new domain aims to enhance security by clearly distinguishing legitimate government portals. The agency continues to advise users to carefully check URLs, recommending direct access.

Hundreds of police officers will monitor Prague's security during Advent, focusing on crowded Christmas markets, shopping centers, and transport hubs, police announced. Preventative measures will address pickpocketing, car security, and online fraud. Officers will also prepare for Jewish holidays and the Dec. 21 anniversary of the shooting at Charles University. Police have also urged online shoppers to verify sellers to avoid scams during the holiday season.

Czech MPs will vote on the 2025 state budget draft on Tuesday, targeting a deficit of CZK 241 billion. Key changes include reallocating CZK 224 billion within expenditures. Revenues are projected at CZK 2,086 billion, with expenditures at CZK 2,327 billion. Opposition criticizes the budget as unrealistic, citing overestimated carbon credit revenue. The government prioritizes public finance consolidation and flood recovery. President Pavel plans discussions with leaders after his return from an overseas trip on Dec. 7.

Nearly 15,000 people attended the re-enactment of the Battle of Slavkov (Austerlitz) near Brno, commemorating Napoleon's 1805 victory. Over 1,000 military history enthusiasts, 70 horses, and 15 cannons participated in the event, which depicted an initial phase of the battle. Organized annually, the re-enactment featured free admission and marked the culmination of a week-long program of historical activities. Organizers expect larger participation next year for the 220th anniversary of the historic clash.

The Czech army concluded its flood relief efforts this weekend, with 5,400 soldiers assisting in Moravia-Silesia and Olomouc since September. Troops helped evacuate residents, clear debris, and build over 50 temporary bridges. The floods caused up to CZK 70 billion in damage and left six confirmed dead, with several still missing. This marks one of the region's worst disasters since 1997. Remaining troops will withdraw by Monday, as recovery efforts transition to local authorities.

Two incidents of hunters being accidentally shot occurred on Saturday in Děčín and Kroměříž. A ricocheted bullet injured one hunter during a morning hunt near Dobrná, while a mishandled shotgun injured two others after a hunt in Kroměříž. All victims suffered minor injuries and received medical care, with one remaining hospitalized. Police are investigating both incidents, confirming that alcohol was not involved. Weapons involved in the shootings have been secured for further examination.

Legendary Czech footballer Josef Jelínek, a member of the 1962 World Cup silver medal-winning team, has died at 83, the Football Association of the Czech Republic announced. Jelínek, a five-time Czechoslovak champion with Dukla Prague and Czech Football Hall of Fame inductee, played 10 national matches, including at the famed Chile tournament. Of the 22 silver medalists, only three remain alive. Jelínek also played for Chomutov, Bohemians Prague, and in the Netherlands.