Czech news in brief for February 24: Monday’s top headlines

PPF Group, owned by Renáta Kellnerová and her family, has acquired Quinn Hotels, the owner of Hilton Prague, the largest hotel in the Czech Republic. CBRE confirmed the sale, calling it the biggest single-hotel transaction in Central and Eastern Europe. The financial terms were undisclosed, but estimates valued it at several billion crowns. The sale was approved in January, marking a major shift in Prague’s hospitality market.

Police detained Miloslav Ludvík, director of Prague’s Motol University Hospital, as part of a major fraud investigation, Czech media outlet Deník N reported today. Authorities have charged 16 people with bribery, subsidy fraud, and money laundering. The case, supervised by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, involves hospital contracts with Geosan Group. Police confirmed ongoing interventions but declined further comment. The EPPO investigates misuse of EU funds across 22 member states.

Activists from the Kaputin association staged a protest at the Russian Center of Science and Culture in Prague, calling for the confiscation of Russian assets and the closure of alleged “spy centers.” Marking the war’s third anniversary, they hung banners and scaled the building before police detained them. The group argues Russian-owned properties fund propaganda and should be seized to support Ukraine’s war reparations. The banner was also accompanied by a white flag with a blue stripe, which is used by opponents of Putin’s regime and the war.

A Liberec court has sentenced Artur Simon, 35, to three years in prison for attempting to join Hezbollah’s military wing. Simon, who converted to Islam, was detained in Beirut last August while trying to fight against Israel. He faced up to 12 years for supporting terrorism but accepted a plea deal. In court, he expressed regret for his actions. Authorities say his case is rare but highlights security concerns.

Czech President Petr Pavel reaffirmed support for Ukraine, condemning Russian aggression in a video speech at a Kyiv conference hosted by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Marking three years since Russia’s invasion, Pavel insisted peace must be negotiated on Ukraine’s terms. He warned against a humiliating settlement, likening it to the 1938 Munich Agreement. European and North American leaders attended the event, underscoring international solidarity with Ukraine.

Czech leaders congratulated Friedrich Merz and the CDU/CSU on their German election victory. Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized strengthening Czech-German ties, while opposition leader Andrej Babiš called it good news for Europe. Other politicians, including Tomio Okamura, commented on the AfD’s gains. Analysts predict coalition challenges, with security and migration emerging as key election issues. The results will impact Germany’s economy, migration policy, and relations with Czechia.

Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil criticized MEP Alexandr Vondra (ODS) for attending the CPAC conference in the U.S., where Steve Bannon made a Nazi-like salute. Vystrčil said he would not have attended and was relieved Vondra condemned the act. Vondra claimed he left before witnessing the gesture. Opposition leaders agreed such incidents must be condemned but noted politicians cannot always predict such occurrences at events.

Czech authorities are again warning against a rise in “trainsurfing,” where young people ride on train or tram carriages, often influenced by social media. A recent case in southern Moravia has raised concerns. Police and rescuers stress the extreme danger, as overhead lines carry up to 25,000 volts, with electricity capable of jumping 1.5 meters, posing a fatal risk to those who climb onto train roofs. In 2024, two Czech teenagers died after metro-surfing on the roof of a Vienna subway train.

The Czech Republic will see a shift in weather this week, with sunny skies on Monday before clouds and rain move in from the west on Tuesday night. By Wednesday, significant precipitation will arrive, bringing snowfall to mountains above 900 meters. Snow showers may extend beyond mountain areas on Thursday and Friday. Weekend conditions will improve with more sunshine. Temperatures will range from -1 to 12°C, with fog and possible ice early in the week.

White storks have returned to the Czech Republic earlier than usual, despite freezing temperatures, due to milder winters and changing migration patterns. Some now winter in southern Europe instead of Africa. Ornithologists note climate change is altering bird behavior, with some species adapting and others struggling. While non-migratory birds benefit from warmer winters, insectivores may face food shortages due to erratic weather. More storks are expected to arrive soon.