News

Today’s attack on celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah in Australia’s Sydney was condemned by outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala and his successor, designated prime minister and ANO party leader Andrej Babiš. Other Czech politicians also expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Babiš described the shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, in which 12 people including one attacker were killed according to broadcaster ABC, as a vile and unjustifiable terrorist act. Fiala called it an act of pure evil. Police said nine people died in the attack and officers shot one of the two attackers. The second attacker was wounded and is in critical condition. Australian and Israeli media reported that around 2,000 people were attending Hanukkah celebrations at the beach.

Motorists’ party MP Filip Turek, who is investigated by police for allegedly racist and pro-nazi posts on social networks, is recovering at home and is expected to be able to request a meeting with President Petr Pavel soon, Boris Šťastný, head of the Motorists’ parliamentary caucus, said on Nova TV. Turek was recently hospitalised with back pain and missed a planned consultation with the president. The Motorists still expect Turek to become environment minister, although the new government of ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists will be appointed on Monday without him. President Pavel has voiced doubts about Turek’s suitability but has said he is ready to meet him once his health allows.

Czechia will play Switzerland in the final of the Women’s World Floorball Championships, marking the first time the Czech team has reached the title match. The hosts edged Finland 1–0 in the semi-finals, with captain Michaela Kubečková scoring the decisive goal late in the game. Switzerland booked their place in the final by defeating Sweden 6–3, taking an early lead and controlling the match throughout. The final will also be historic in another respect, as either Sweden or Finland will miss out on a medal for the first time. The two Nordic rivals will meet in the bronze-medal match.

Kateřina Konečná remains chair of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM) after delegates at an extraordinary congress declined to propose a vote on new leadership, despite the party’s election setback within the Enough! (Stačilo!) left wing grouping. Party spokesman Roman Roun said the move showed clear support for Konečná ahead of a regular congress in May. Former KSČM deputy leader Jiří Dolejš criticised the decision as proof of the party’s lack of modernising potential. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats (SOCDEM) elected Jiří Nedvěd as their new leader and declared cooperation with Stačilo! a closed chapter. Nedvěd said the party now aims to win back voters disappointed by the emerging government led by ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists’ party.