Czech news in brief for June 19: Wednesday's top headlines

A 52-year-old man was arrested after attacking six people with a knife at a gas station in Prague 7. One person, injured in the neck, was hospitalized but is stable. Two others had minor injuries. The assailant, reportedly intoxicated, verbally assaulted four people before the attack. Police, ruling out terrorism, are investigating the motive. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. and was recorded on camera.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warns of very strong storms with hail, wind gusts and intense rain in the northeast and east of the country, with a lower chance in other areas. Temperatures in Moravia, Silesia and southern Bohemia will reach over 31 degrees Celsius. The storms may cause flooding and damage from strong winds. The public is advised to stay safe and be aware of the potential for lightning strikes. Storm activity is expected to subside by Thursday night.

Former member of parliament (MP) Dominik Feri, who late last year was convicted of rape, has filed a petition for an appellate review with the Supreme Court. He is currently serving a three-year sentence for the rape and attempted rape of two girls, which he denies and questions the trustworthiness of the victims. An appeals court rejected his appeal in April. Despite having no criminal history, his conduct was deemed too harmful for a suspended or alternative sentence. In May 2021, Feri resigned as an MP.

Transport Minister Martin Kupka announced today that the Czech Space Journey plan will be presented on Thursday. The plan aims to bring together companies, space technology research, and education to make a Czech mission to outer space possible within five years. Government members will present the plan. industry representatives, and academics in Prague. Kupka also emphasized the importance of involving all Czech companies in the world space industry and inspiring interest in technical fields.

According to a recent poll by Center for Public Opinion Research agency, only 21 percent of Czechs trust the Chamber of Deputies and cabinet, making them the least trusted constitutional institutions. In contrast, two-thirds of people have confidence in mayors and municipal authorities. The poll also showed that President Petr Pavel is trusted by 55 percent of citizens. The pollsters noted that the government and Chamber of Deputies continue to have lower levels of trust compared to the beginning of 2023.

The Czech Republic experienced its first tropical night of the year, with temperatures staying above 20°C at 12 stations, peaking at 23°C in Mořkov. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) reported this on social media. Meteorologists predict temperatures above 30°C in Moravia and Silesia today, possibly reaching 33°C. Cooler temperatures are expected by the weekend after a brief rise on Friday.

EU inflation rose to 2.7 percent in May, up from 2.6 percent in April, Eurostat reported. Czech inflation slowed to 2.8 percent from 3.1 percent. The Eurozone's inflation accelerated to 2.6 percent, up from 2.4 percent in April. Latvia had the lowest inflation at 0 percent, while Romania had the highest at 5.8 percent. Eurostat's harmonized data differs from the Czech Statistical Office's national calculations.

The number of Czech municipalities with "excluded areas" increased last year, according to the 2023 Social Exclusion Index, Agency for Social Inclusion spokesman Petr Syrucek said. Nearly 4 percent of the 6,258 towns and villages face severe social issues. In contrast, municipalities with minimal problems dropped by almost 400. The index, used since 2016, aids targeted support and shows increased social challenges due to rising living costs.

Greenpeace filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of the Environment over a permit allowing the felling of 1,800 century-old beech and oak trees in the Ore Mountains. The Ministry upheld a regional office decision favoring the state enterprise Lesy České republiky. Greenpeace argues this could irreversibly damage protected areas. Forest officials claim the cutting is for safety and biodiversity. The court filing seeks to annul the ministry’s decision.

Taiwan's "Treasure of Chinese Emperors" exhibit will be on display in Prague from September 2025, Senate Deputy Speaker Jiri Drahos announced. Drahos, who recently opened the Czech Centre in Taipei, believes the exhibit will draw visitors from across Europe. The Czech Centre aims to deepen Taiwanese understanding of Czech culture, currently showcasing works by Jan Saudek, Alfons Mucha, Frantisek Drtikol, and Josef Koudelka.