Czech news in brief for September 16: Tuesday's top headlines

RegioJet will purchase 34 hybrid trains from Škoda Group for CZK 9 billion, the companies announced Tuesday. The battery-electric-diesel units (BEDMU) can operate on electrified tracks, batteries, or synthetic diesel HVO, reducing annual CO₂ emissions by up to 19,000 tons. RegioJet will deploy them on lines in northeastern Bohemia from December 2029, including Pardubice–Liberec, Liberec–Ústí nad Labem, Kolín–Rumburk, and Prague–Rumburk. The state will pay CZK 11.63 billion for 15 years of operation.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský told Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar Tuesday that the Czech Republic would oppose suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Lipavský expressed hope for an end to the war in Gaza and improvements to the humanitarian situation. The call followed European Commission proposals to sanction extremist Israeli ministers and settlers and partially suspend the agreement. Lipavský noted such measures lack EU support. The European Parliament recently condemned Israel’s humanitarian blockade of Gaza, citing civilian suffering.

Trust in the Czech government remains at historic lows, with only 19 percent of citizens expressing confidence, according to Europe in Data and OECD figures. Analysts cite financial hardship, perceived corruption, and political elites serving business over the public as key factors. Surveys show that citizens who feel represented or voted for governing parties trust the government more. Experts warn that unfulfilled economic promises and failures in essential services continue to erode public confidence.

Prague’s High Court on Tuesday extended the prison sentence of German national Joel Hoppe to eight years for killing a Welsh tourist in a drunken fight in the center of the Czech capital last September. He will spend eight years in prison. Hoppe, who confessed and expressed remorse, must also pay CZK 4.7 million to the victim’s children. The altercation began between two tourist groups, escalating when Hoppe struck the man with a glass bottle. Hoppe admitted to being under the influence of drugs.

Prague’s Vytoň bridge will be reconstructed rather than replaced, the State Railway Administration (SZ) and Transport Minister Martin Kupka confirmed Tuesday. The move follows recommendations from a Heritage Impact Assessment and expert studies suggesting repair is more practical and cost-effective. SZ plans a temporary monorail on the bridge piers during reconstruction and will launch an international architectural competition for the new design, which includes a third track and a riverbank stop. Work is set to start in late 2029 and finish by 2032.

A one-party cabinet led by ANO would be the most acceptable government after October elections, with 41 percent support, according to a Median poll. An ANO–SPD coalition ranks second at 37 percent, while the former five-party Together coalition is supported by 31 percent. ANO voters, older citizens, and those with lower formal education are most favorable toward a one-color government, while younger and university-educated respondents show less support.

Transport Minister Martin Kupka is set to announce the future of Prague’s listed Výtoň railway bridge, a key link on the corridor to western Czechia and Munich. For ten years, debates have raged over whether to build a new bridge or reconstruct the existing one. Architects, citizens, and recently a group of Czech billionaires have voiced opposing views on preservation versus replacement.

Prosecutors have seized the property of Miloslav Ludvík, former director of Motol University Hospital, and his wife amid corruption allegations, including influencing contracts. The seizure covers real estate, bank accounts, securities, and shares. Ludvík remains in custody, disputing the move, while police continue investigating 18 people in the case. Authorities say the alleged damage linked to bribery and fraudulent contracts exceeds 1.2 billion crowns.

The Czech Republic will have more than 900,000 people over 80 by 2050, a third needing intensive social or residential care, Labor Minister Marian Jurečka said. Health conditions like stroke and dementia will drive demand, especially in Prague and Central Bohemia. With long-term care costs projected to rise above CZK 83 billion, officials plan to expand home care and train more caregivers to meet the growing demand.

The Crown Chamber at St. Vitus Cathedral opened Monday, ahead of a free exhibition of the Czech Crown Jewels in Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle. Initially reserved for schools, the exhibition opens to the public Sept. 18–29, highlighting the jewels’ wartime history and secure transport during World War II. The collection includes the St. Wenceslas Crown, royal scepter, orb, coronation cloak, and related items, with seven key holders overseeing the display.