Czech news in brief for March 22: Friday's top headlines

Former Czech President Miloš Zeman is expected to leave the intensive care unit at Motol University Hospital today and be transferred to the internal medicine clinic after undergoing surgery for a critical blood clot in his leg. The surgery was successful in removing the clot and closing the wounds, but Zeman's condition is still serious and there is a risk of recurrence. The length of his hospitalization is uncertain and will depend on the healing of his wounds and rehabilitation.

Czech skier Ester Ledecká dominated the final super-giant slalom of the 2023–24 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Saalbach, Austria, beating Italian Federica Brignone and Norwegian Kajsa Vickhoff Lie. This is Ledecká's fourth career victory in the discipline and her first of the season, after having to limit her races due to injuries. Her previous best finish this year was third in Norway three weeks ago. In the 2023-24 World Cup she is ranked 26th overall.

Czech President Petr Pavel has signed a bill that requires gun dealers to report suspicious sales and gun owners to undergo more frequent medical exams. The law, which will take effect in 2026, aims to preserve the right to own and carry weapons while utilizing a digitized central gun registry. The President also signed a law simplifying and modernizing rules for handling military ammunition, including stricter conditions for obtaining and holding ammunition licenses. 

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has praised this week’s EU summit and its balanced stance on the Gaza conflict, which he coordinated with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Fiala emphasized the need to hold Hamas terrorists accountable for starting the conflict. He also noted the difficulty of negotiations but expressed satisfaction with the resulting balanced position. On Thursday, the EU summit called for a ceasefire and urged Israel not to engage in military action in Rafah. 

A study reveals one-fifth of Czech children aged 11 to 15 consume energy drinks twice weekly, while fewer engage in alcohol, cigarette, or marijuana use. The Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study also highlights vaping prevalence. Experts recommend restricting energy drink sales due to health risks as newer products like HHC emerge. Data shows rural teens are more susceptible to substance use.

During the National Gallery’s season opening at Prague’s Veletržní Palace, the “Stop Genocide in Gaza” initiative interrupted proceedings to spotlight the Gaza situation. Artist Yara Abu Aataya appealed for attention, urging Czech political representatives to push for a ceasefire. The collective event, documented on Instagram, featured various artists, filmmakers, musicians, and activists advocating for Gaza's plight.

Former hockey goalie Dominik Hašek and filmmaker Břetislav Rychlík join incumbent senator Herbert Pavera as TOP 09 candidates for the Senate polls in autumn, approved by the party leadership. Hašek, a former NHL hockey player who helped the Czech team take Olympic gold in Nagano in 1998, emphasized his social engagement platform.

Dukla Praha’s coach, Petr Rada, received an unprecedented eight-month ban and a CZK 80,000 fine for directing a racist insult during a second league match against Zbrojovka Brno. Rada denies the racism allegation, plans to appeal, and may consider resigning if unsuccessful. According to the disciplinary committee, the footage captures Rada calling Zbrojovka Brno coach Tomas Polach a "desperate gypsy.”

Josef Belica, Mayor of Havířov and ANO regional branch head, is set to become the new governor of the Moravia-Silesia Region, replacing convicted Jan Krkoska. Belica’s nomination awaits formal approval by the regional council and assembly members. Krkoska resigned after being found guilty of participating in an organized crime, an offense punishable by up to ten years in prison, and sentenced to a fine of CZK 200,000 crowns in a 12-year-old case of bribing doctors by pharmaceutical firms. 

Prague officials approved a tender to complete the Šlechtova restaurant reconstruction in Stromovka Park, costing almost CZK 200 million. The project includes repairs to the arcade, gazebo, and interior spaces, with plans for a restaurant, pastry shop, and garden. Construction began in 2017.

Tachov celebrates the reopening of the Svetce riding hall, Central Europe’s second-largest after Vienna’s, following a 23-year reconstruction costing CZK 180 million crowns with 61 million from EU subsidies. The neo-Romanesque and neo-Renaissance hall will serve as a cultural hub, featuring exhibitions and multifunctional spaces.