Meanwhile in Czechia... 28/26
17.07.2026
Czech "One-Two Finish" at Wimbledon
In an all-Czech Wimbledon final last Saturday, 21-year-old Linda Nosková defeated her compatriot Karolína Muchová. She is now the third Czech champion at Wimbledon in the last four years and the sixth since 1998. It was the first all-Czech final; when Hana Mandlíková and Martina Navrátilová faced off in 1986, the latter—who was in the stands this time—was already competing for the U.S.
Nosková created a very emotional moment during the award ceremony when she paid tribute to her mother, who passed away two years ago, and sent a kiss toward the sky.
Exhibition Marking Hurvínek’s 100th Birthday
The well-known and beloved marionette Hurvínek first appeared on stage 100 years ago, on May 2, 1926. To mark the occasion, an exhibition is running in Cheb (Eger) through October 11, 2026, which also features his well-known companions, such as Papa Spejbl, his girlfriend Mánička, and the dog Žeryk. However, the exhibition is primarily dedicated to Gustav Nosek, the creator of these characters and a native of Cheb.
The exhibition features many Hurvínek puppets, including Nosek’s original as well as some that were produced for theaters in the GDR. A visit with children is especially worthwhile, as they can enjoy the experience and even make the puppets dance on stage themselves.
Highway Vignettes Will Not Become More Expensive
The previous Czech government had introduced a mechanism that automatically increased the prices of highway vignettes in line with the inflation rate and the expansion of the highway network. The current government has now introduced a bill that abolishes this mechanism. The bill was approved by Parliament in its first reading.
A change to the vignettes announced by the Minister of Transportation is sure to please some: In the future, the daily vignette will be valid not only until midnight of the same day, but for a full 24 hours.
Czech Republic Lags Behind in Green Electricity
According to new figures from Eurostat, the Czech Republic continues to rank last within the European Union in terms of electricity generation from renewable sources. In the first quarter of 2026, the EU as a whole had a share of green electricity of 46%, while in the Czech Republic it was only 13%. Germany’s share was 50%.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewables accounted for just 1.6% of the total energy mix in 2024. If biofuels and waste (which are not reported separately) are included, the figure rises to 12.2%. Fossil fuels lead the way here at 66%, followed by nuclear energy at 21%.
Motorists’ Party Chairman Involved in Traffic Accident
Filip Turek, honorary chairman of the motorists’ party “Motoristé sobě,” allegedly caused a serious traffic accident in Prague on Monday that could have political consequences.
Turek was originally slated to become Minister of the Environment in the current government, but President Pavel rejected the appointment, deeming him unsuitable due to his past far-right and xenophobic statements. The months-long dispute ended with Turek being appointed as the representative for the EU’s Green Deal (effectively tasked with its abolition).
Footage from a traffic camera now shows Turek driving a Mercedes G-Class in the left-turn lane past a line of cars, but then failing to turn at the intersection and instead continuing straight ahead. In doing so, he rammed a blood transport vehicle traveling with its blue lights and siren on, causing it to roll over and leaving its driver with minor injuries. Turek subsequently announced that he would temporarily step aside from his role as Green Deal Commissioner and, if necessary, resign should he be found at fault for the accident.
Turek was once a race car driver and is—among many other things—also controversial because of videos showing him driving at high speeds on public roads.
Far-right extremist Liebich extradited
To conclude the Czech chapter on the escape, arrest, and extradition of right-wing extremist Liebich—who was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison for incitement to hatred, defamation, and insult—: On Wednesday, she was transported from pretrial detention in Litoměřice to Germany in a prison van and handed over to German authorities directly at the border. She was then initially taken to the women’s prison in Chemnitz, where she was actually scheduled to begin serving her sentence in August 2025. Prison officials quickly decided to transfer her to a men’s prison, which is why she is now being held at the Zeithain Correctional Facility.