News

Meteorologists have issued a heatwave warning for Wednesday, when high temperatures are expected to peak at 34 degrees Celsius or more in southern Moravia. The hottest week of the year so far is also expected to bring heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hailstones and strong winds. People are being advised to stay out of the midday sun as much as possible and increase their intake of liquids. Police have warned people not to leave young children or pets in cars for even a short while. Traffic police say that the heat is also affecting drivers and has resulted in an increased number of accidents.

The Czech embassy in Athens has advised Czech tourists in Greece to monitor current information on the spread of wildfires, pay attention to media reports and not take risks. According to the embassy, there is currently a very high risk of fire throughout the Attica region and central Greece, including the island of Evia. Around 2,800 Czech travelers have registered with the Czech Foreign Ministry’s Drozd travel data base, thanks to which they get regular updates, but the ministry says that tens of thousands of Czechs could actually be staying in the country at this time.

The Czech military is offering civilians the chance to experience a day in the armed forces to see what a soldier's life in the army entails. The project, which will be held for the first time this year, is intended to boost recruitment and to introduce people who are considering serving in the army or as active reserves, to the activities of the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment in Strakonice. This particular regiment is currently in need of recruits, particularly for the positions of driver and operator. Only adult Czech citizens can apply for the chance to become a "soldier for a day". They must have a clean criminal record and need to send an application form to [email protected] by the end of August.

Police have charged Petr Bursík, Karlovy Vary Transport Councilor for the Civic Democratic Party, in connection with the Chomutov corruption case. He is being prosecuted for manipulating public contracts, for which he faces up to eight years in prison. He has not been taken into custody. Bursík has denied any wrong-doing, but has said that he will suspend his membership in the Civic Democratic Party, so as not to damage the party ahead of the autumn elections. Fourteen other people have been charged in the massive corruption case that stretches across four regions.