Daily news summary
Prague international airport to increase security through random checks
Prague's international airport will introduce random checks beginning on Monday which will allow officials to check luggage for any trace of chemicals used in explosives; the move is a step to increase overall security. Internationally, explosives are suspected of having brought down airliners in at least one recent case: a Russian plane disintegrated above the Sinai in Egypt 2015; no passengers or crew survived. A local branch of Islamic State claimed responsibility. Terrorism was suspected and in the investigation traces of explosives were found. Travelers to and from Prague have been recommended to use easy-to-use locks on their luggage to prevent damage during checks.
PM wants name of successor at Education Ministry by end of week
Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka has made clear he wants a proposal putting forward a successor to outgoing Education Minister Kateřina Valachová by the end of next week. The minister stepped down over an investigation involving her deputy and the head of the Czech FA for possible fraud, a matter in which she herself was not implicated. Valachová's last day in the post is May 31.
High profile ANO ministers to head Prague ballot
Defense Minister Martin Stropnický and Justice Minister Robert Pelikan will top the ballot list for ANO in Prague in this year's parliamentary elections, scheduled for October, a spokesperson confirmed. The third spot on the ballot will be the head of Prague's Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) Věra Adámková. All three are heavy-hitters for ANO, a movement or party often described as well positioned to win the national election this autumn. A recent scandal and government crisis surrounding its head, Finance Minister Andrej Babiš, however, could affect ANO's chances.
Prague Spring festival underway
The opening concert of the 72nd Prague Spring International Music Festival, a performance of Smetana's My Country by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim, received a standing ovation and several minutes of thunderous applause on Friday. Smetana's My Country traditionally opens the highly-respected festival each year. The festival this year is offering almost 50 performances – recitals, early music concerts as well as contemporary and experimental music.
Ice Hockey World Championships: Czech Republic defeats Slovenia
The Czech ice hockey team defeated Slovenia at the Ice Hockey World Championships on Friday 5:1, bringing total points accumulated so far to 10. The team is close to qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament, second in Group B. The defending champions, Canada, are first.
Jandač shakes up first line ahead of match against France
The coach of the Czech hockey team, Josef Jandač has introduced changes, shaking up the first line and replacing David Pastrňák with Vladimír Sobotka ahead of the team's game against France at the Ice Hockey World Championships. Sobotka joins Plekanec and Voráček on the first line, a clear move to boost the national squad's offense moving forward.
Weather
Sunday will see a chance of thundershowers and some sunny periods. Daytime highs of 21 degrees Celsius are expected.
