Czech Railways Names First Female Chief After Toilet Paper Complaints

Lenka Hamplova has taken charge of Czech state railway Ceske drahy after complaints about missing toilet paper became part of a wider reckoning over the company’s leadership. She is the first woman to hold the top job.

Hamplova, a trained engineer, succeeds Michal Krapinec, who resigned for personal reasons. His departure followed sharp criticism from Parliament President Tomio Okamura, who said he had received numerous letters from citizens complaining about the lack of toilet paper in train toilets. Speaking on public broadcaster CT, Okamura called the situation “a complete disgrace.”

“

A complete disgrace.

A railway spokesman responded that Ceske drahy supplies about three million rolls every year. The toilet paper dispute was not the only issue surrounding Krapinec’s departure. News portal Seznam Zpravy recently reported that the lawyer had lost his authorization to access documents classified as “Confidential.” Such authorization requires an extensive background check by the National Security Authority, but the reasons for the decision were not known.

Hamplova said she wants to make Ceske drahy “a healthy, modern and confident company.” The state railway operates in a country with one of Europe’s densest rail networks, covering about 9,344 kilometers. Private operators, including Arriva and Regiojet, have also expanded their presence alongside the national carrier.

“

A healthy, modern and confident company.