Czech news in brief for January 10: Saturday’s top morning headlines

Motorists MP Filip Turek said he will sue President Petr Pavel and seek an apology over Pavel’s refusal to appoint him environment minister. Pavel cited concerns about Turek’s respect for constitutional values and the legal system. Turek called the reasoning offensive and rejected legal action by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. Pavel said he remains open to talks on filling the post.

Czechia continues to face major travel disruptions as heavy snowfall limited arrivals at the airport and affected roads and public transport. Seventeen flights were canceled, while snow-blocked streets and tram tracks caused delays across the city. Trucks and multiple accidents further slowed traffic. Authorities deployed snow removal equipment throughout the morning, and conditions improved after snowfall eased, though drivers were warned to remain cautious in affected areas.

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said the West should offer Ukraine strong security guarantees as a viable alternative to NATO membership during a visit to Kyiv. He said talks helped establish ties between the new Czech and Ukrainian governments. Macinka toured drone defense sites and praised Ukraine’s combat-tested expertise. His briefing was interrupted by missile alerts as Russia continued attacks on Kyiv’s civilian infrastructure.

Czech Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar has instructed fire authorities to inspect clubs, bars, and similar venues nationwide following a deadly New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, that killed 40 people. Inspections, starting Jan. 12 and running through August, will check for compliance with fire safety regulations, including extinguishers and evacuation routes. Results will inform potential recommendations or further safety measures.

Press conferences by Chamber of Deputies party groups will now include Czech sign language interpretation to improve access for deaf audiences, the Chamber Office said. The change, proposed by Deputy Speaker Patrik Nacher, begins next week with five trained interpreters. Subtitles will continue to be provided. The Senate has already adopted similar measures, officials said.