Czech news in brief for May 27: Monday's top headlines

President Petr Pavel announced today that the Czech Republic will hold elections for one-third of the Senate and regional assemblies on September 20-21. Prime Minister Petr Fiala must co-sign the date. These elections, previously held in early October, are now scheduled earlier to comply with the legal timeline. Future elections will consistently occur in early October starting in 2026.

Czech President Petr Pavel expressed condolences to Papua New Guinea after a landslide buried at least 2,000 people in Kaokalam village, Enga province, on Friday. Reports initially indicated 670 victims. Pavel’s telegram to Governor-General Robert Dadae conveyed his deep sadness over the tragedy. Rescue efforts continue, with international aid from the UN, Australia, WHO, and China.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday during Prague's NATO foreign ministers’ meeting. They will sign a memorandum with the Global Engagement Center to combat disinformation. The meeting focused on the Ukraine war and NATO defense spending, marks the 25th anniversary of Czech NATO membership. Key sessions will be held at Černín Palace.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced a new plan to boost affordable housing in the Czech Republic through four models: direct construction by municipalities with state support, municipal purchase of apartments, municipal collaboration with companies for apartment construction, and development by private construction firms. This initiative integrates state, region, municipality, and private capital efforts.

Czech goalie Lukáš Dostál was named the best goalie and selected for the All Star team at the World Ice Hockey Championship, which Czechia won. Forward and captain Roman Cervenka also made the All Star team. Swiss forward Kevin Fiala, named best forward and MVP, joins defenseman Roman Josi on the All Star team. Other members include Erik Karlsson (Sweden) and Dylan Cozens (Canada).

The Ice Hockey World Championship in Czechia set a record with 797,727 spectators, surpassing the 2015 record by 56,037. The tournament averaged 12,464 fans per game over 64 games. The record-breaking attendance was highlighted by a semifinal between the Czech Republic and Sweden, drawing 17,413 fans. All ten Czech national team games were sold out.

Temperatures in Czechia will drop to around 20 degrees Celsius this week, accompanied by rainy weather, thunderstorms, and possible torrential rainfall, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). A slow-moving cold front from the west will cause significant temperature differences, with cooler conditions in Bohemia and warmer, stormy weather in Moravia and Silesia. The week will see frequent rain, especially on Thursday and Friday, with weekend temperatures between 19-24 degrees Celsius.

A woman was fatally struck by a train early this morning in Roztoky near Prague, disrupting traffic on the Prague-Kralupy nad Vltavou line for about two hours. The deceased’s identity remains unknown, and police are investigating, said spokeswoman Michaela Richterová. The incident, occurring after 5:30 a.m., caused cancellations and delays, with substitute buses provided. Train service resumed around 7:30 a.m.

The Couple by Emil Filla was auctioned for CZK 25.2 million, making it the second most expensive Filla painting ever sold, according to Kodl Gallery. The auction also featured Toyen’s Leaving and Coming, sold for CZK 22.8 million. The event raised nearly CZK 240 million, 97 percent of the 224 lots sold. Charity items raised almost CZK 3.75 million.