President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel and his wife Eva Pavlova paid a two-day working visit to the Karlovy Vary Region. The main topic was the future of education, the establishment of a public university and the development of the region.
The Karlovy Vary Region is the only one in the Czech Republic without a public university. The President met with representatives of the region, school directors and students to discuss the possibilities of expanding higher education. During the debate in Sokolov, young people expressed what would motivate them to stay in the region and what fields of study would interest them.
The President discussed with the regional leadership the establishment of an independent university and its possible specialization. Other topics included the transformation of the region with the support of European funds, the construction of the D6 motorway, the Karlovy Vary bypass and the improvement of healthcare - including the shortage of doctors, plans for an oncology centre and the creation of its own air ambulance service.
On the first day of his visit, the President went to the Moser glassworks, where he visited the production, the engraving workshop and the gallery. He was ceremoniously admitted to the Giant Goblet Club. The glassworks is a long-term partner of the region in vocational training and will reopen the glassmaker apprenticeship from 2026.
The next stop was the village of Prameny, formerly the most indebted in the country. The President praised the mayor Michala Málková and her team for managing to reduce the debts and stabilize the village.
In Františkovy Lázně, Petr Pavel met with the town leadership and citizens. He appreciated the active approach of the UNESCO-listed town, which develops cultural and cross-border projects and community life.
The next day the President visited the Soos Nature Reserve, nicknamed „the Czech Yellowstone“. He walked a nature trail along the bottom of the dried mineral lake, visited the geological park, museum and rescue station.
Subsequently, he debated with high school principals about the possibility of establishing a college. The discussion was based on the specific experiences of the schools, their graduates and the needs of the region.
Finally, the President visited the World of Rescuers educational complex in Karlovy Vary, which simulates crisis situations and teaches children and adults how to react in case of fires, accidents or floods. More than 20,000 people visit it annually and the city plans to expand it to include topics such as disinformation and cyber security.
Castle.cz/gnews.cz - GH
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