Conscription Debate Returns as Army Prepares New Mobilisation Plan

The possibility of introducing mandatory military service is once again being actively discussed in the Czech Republic. Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka said the army has prepared a new mobilisation concept for the government that would allow limited conscription if voluntary reserves prove insufficient. The plan does not involve mass enlistment, as before 2004, but would focus on recruiting specific specialists. Priority would go to medical staff, IT and technical experts, communications specialists, engineers, logisticians, heavy equipment drivers, and people with rare skills such as drone pilots or previous military experience.

Icy Conditions Force Closure of Prague Cemeteries

All city cemeteries in Prague have been temporarily closed due to dangerous icy conditions. The only exception applies to mourners attending already scheduled funeral ceremonies at Olšany Cemetery.

Former MP Dominik Feri faces further rape charge

Former member of parliament Dominik Feri (TOP09) has been charged with an additional rape, prosecutors confirmed to the news site iRozhlas on Tuesday. The case involves a 17-year-old girl who said she consented to sex but alleged that Feri had removed the condom.Feri is currently serving a three-year sentence for raping two other girls, including one minor, as well as for an attempted rape.

Electricity Consumption Hits Record High During Cold Snap

The Czech Republic has recorded its highest electricity consumption on record as extreme cold grips the country. After 10:00 a.m. on Monday, the national grid load reached 12,318 megawatts, exceeding the previous peak from February 2021 by 92 megawatts.

Attempt to Oust Parliamentary Speaker Fails

The opposition’s bid to remove Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura from office has failed. The ruling coalition backed the speaker unanimously, securing him 108 votes.

Army Buys Thousands of iPhone 16s for Staff

The Czech Ministry of Defence has purchased 4,000 iPhone 16 devices with 128 GB of storage for the army. In total, the ministry plans to buy 35,000 phones for military and civilian personnel, citing strict security standards and long-term software support. Each device cost the state around CZK 19,000.