Czech news in brief for December 6: Friday's top headlines

Eleven people were injured when a bus slid off a snowy road into a ditch near Milotice nad Opavou in the Bruntál region (Moravia-Silesia) today. The driver, whose breath test for alcohol was negative, lost control due to icy conditions. Passengers aged four to 68 suffered mild to moderate injuries and were treated at local hospitals. Authorities warn of hazardous roads in higher elevations of the Moravian-Silesian Region; snowy and icy conditions will continue this weekend.

Education Minister Mikuláš Bek has today announced that governmental plans to merge small schools into larger units to improve teacher staffing and educational quality will definitely go ahead. He also said that the change would also allow for more qualified teachers.  The proposed amendment to the Education Act would require schools in municipalities to have at least 200 pupils. However, local governments oppose the merger, fearing school closures and worsened teaching quality overall.

The Prague High Court has upheld the acquittal of two men accused of exploiting vulnerable people in the Karlovy Vary Region. The men, part of a gang, allegedly trafficked individuals to work in British fast food chains between 2016 and 2018. The four lured at least seven people to England. They took away the victims' documents and mobile phones, forcing them to work six days a week, 12 to 15 hours a day.

Leader of the opposition ANO Andrej Babiš delivered an hour-long speech in the Chamber of Deputies today, denying accusations of insulting Prime Minister Petr Fiala. Babiš criticized Fiala for spreading lies and urged a debate on both politicians' pasts. He rejected claims of hateful speech, accusing Fiala’s government of aggression and arrogance, and introducing “terror” across the government. "A parasite is not an insult," said the ANO leader. Fiala recently referred to Babiš’ alleged business-corruption practices. 

Police have charged two Czech students, 24 and 25, with disorderly conduct after a Wednesday incident at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. One reportedly shouted "Allahu akbar," while the other mimicked gunfire, causing alarm. Investigators used campus surveillance and ID systems to identify the suspects. The students face up to two years in prison if convicted. University officials condemned their actions as unacceptable.

Czech MPs are set to vote on new rules for the crypto-asset market, overseen by the Czech National Bank, allowing fines of up to CZK 50 million for violations. They will also discuss extending protection for Ukrainian refugees, including long-term residence permits. Additionally, industry representatives oppose an amendment to the Energy Act, which could reduce state support for renewables. Key decisions are expected to shape financial and humanitarian policies.

Czechia’s Ministry of Defence has signed a seven-year, CZK 4.08 billion deal with STV Group to supply at least 10,000 modern Sentry anti-tank mines. The agreement, resulting from an open tender, replaces outdated mines from the 1980s with a programmable, remotely controlled system compliant with international standards. STV will collaborate with Finland’s Forcit Defence on the project, enhancing the Czech army's minefield efficiency and secure communication capabilities.

Police are investigating a reported shooting at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen as a hoax. The incident, reported Wednesday, prompted a swift response involving 130 officers and the evacuation of 1,000 people. No evidence of gunfire or armed attackers was found. Authorities have launched criminal proceedings against an unknown perpetrator. The university plans to implement a mass alert system to improve emergency communication following the scare.

Former Czech EU Commissioner Vera Jourova won the Woman in Power category at the Women of Europe awards in Brussels on Dec. 5. The award recognizes exceptional contributions by women in political leadership. Jourova, nominated alongside Gdansk Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz and Croatian EU Commissioner Dubravka Suica, emphasized the importance of supporting women leaders. Organized by the European Movement, the awards honor influential women across five categories.

Construction has begun on Hydropolis, an interactive water education center at Prague's historic Vinohradská waterworks. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the 450-million-crown project will feature exhibits, a café, a lecture hall, and a public observation deck. Funded by Prague Waterworks Company and Veolia, Hydropolis will teach visitors about water systems using modern technology. Built in 1882, the waterworks is a protected cultural monument, making its transformation a key preservation effort.