Czech news in brief for March 1: Saturday’s top headlines

At the end of 2024, Czech authorities recorded 1,094,090 long-term foreign residents—a 2.7 percent increase from 2023. Ukrainians comprised over half, followed by Slovak and Vietnamese citizens. Prague houses nearly one-third of legal foreigners. The quarterly migration report highlights a decline in illegal entries, details increased asylum requests, and notes a surge in temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees.

Nearly 30,000 former Sberbank CZ clients have yet to claim insured deposits following the bank’s collapse in February 2022. Under Czech law, clients must collect funds by March 10. The total claimable amount reaches CZK 218 million, with many individual amounts under CZK 100. Claims can be filed at Komerční banka branches or by using official forms from the Financial Market Guarantee System website.

Police in Pilsen are investigating the death of a 22-year-old man struck by a train Friday night. First responders confirmed his death at the scene, with the coroner summoned. Authorities suspect suicide. The incident temporarily halted regional rail service, affecting 60 passengers, with regular service resuming after 11 p.m. Investigators are assessing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

A Czech man is set to face trial for attempted grievous bodily harm and illegal armament after shooting a 13-year-old girl last fall at a recreational property near Pilsen. The suspect, armed with an unlicensed pistol, intended to shoot the father but injured the girl’s leg, which required surgery. Previously convicted of violent offenses, the man faces a proposed 7-year prison sentence.

An abandoned rest stop near the 26th kilometer of the D1 highway southeast of Prague caught fire Saturday morning. More than 20 fire units are battling the blaze, which spread to the roof and ceiling after a structural collapse, injuring one firefighter’s knee. Police report that traffic is restricted with several-kilometer-long lines forming. Drivers heading from Prague to Brno are urged to exercise caution.

President Petr Pavel stated that the Czech Republic stands with Ukraine “more than ever” and urged Europe to step up its efforts. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský echoed this, reaffirming unwavering Czech support for Ukraine’s defense. Their remarks followed a tense Washington meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which ended without agreement. A European summit on Ukraine is set for Sunday in London.

A Prague tram driver who verbally and physically assaulted an elderly Ukrainian couple with a child will be dismissed, the city’s transport company (DPP) confirmed. The incident, captured on video, drew condemnation from officials, including Interior Minister Vít Rakušan and Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda. Police are investigating the case, and DPP has also referred the matter to prosecutors for potential legal action.

Škoda Auto announced plans to reduce its workforce by 15 percent through natural turnover, CEO Klaus Zellmer said. The automaker, employing 41,000 workers, aims to boost sales by 8 percent and expand its electric vehicle lineup, including an electric Octavia and a returning plug-in hybrid model. Zellmer stressed the company’s low fixed costs despite lower margins on electric models compared with combustion-engine vehicles.

The fire involving derailed benzene tankers near Hustopeče nad Bečvou remains under control and is not spreading, regional fire service spokesman Radek Buryánek said Saturday morning. Dozens of firefighters continue efforts to fully extinguish the blaze today. The freight train carrying highly toxic benzene derailed midday Friday, igniting several tankers. Authorities plan to pump out the remaining benzene today.

Czech tennis player Tomáš Macháč defeated Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 to reach his first ATP 500 final at the Mexican Open in Acapulco. The 24-year-old will face Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich in Sunday’s title match. Macháč, who previously lost his only ATP final in Geneva last year, is set to rise to a career-high ranking of at least No. 22. A victory could push him into the ATP Top 20.

A majority of Czechs believe there is a shortage of skilled tradespeople, a survey by Ipsos for GasNet shows. While many handle minor home repairs themselves, 81 percent hire professionals for complex tasks, particularly electrical and gas-related work. The shortage has led to higher prices and longer wait times. Experts warn against unlicensed gas repairs, citing legal and safety risks. Demand for qualified gas technicians is expected to grow.