Blanka Besserová, a widely respected former police spokesperson and official who served across several high-profile Czech state institutions, has died following a twenty-year battle with cancer. She passed away in May, surrounded by her family. Her husband, former Minister of Culture Jiří Besser, confirmed the news, describing her as a dedicated professional and a personal role model.
A Career of Public Service
Besserová’s career spanned decades within the Czech security and administrative sectors. She first gained prominence as the spokesperson for the Police Presidium during the tenure of Police President Jiří Kolář, serving from 1998 until 2005. Following this, she took on a communications role at the Unit for Combating Organized Crime (ÚOOZ) under then-director Jan Kubice.
Her work later shifted to the Ministry of Transport, where she managed the implementation of the Galileo satellite navigation system in the Czech Republic, a project that saw the agency’s administrative headquarters established in Prague in 2010. Starting in September 2011, she served as an ombudswoman at the Ministry of the Interior, a role she held for police officers and firefighters until the end of 2016.
Besserová managed the introduction of the Galileo satellite navigation system to the Czech Republic, successfully overseeing the project until the agency’s headquarters were placed in Prague in 2010.
Remembering a Professional Legacy
On Wednesday, June 3, more than 100 people gathered in Beroun to attend the funeral of the former spokesperson. The attendees included significant figures from her professional life, such as former Minister of the Interior Jan Kubice, his deputy at the ÚOOZ Jaroslav Hruška, and her cousin, the cardiologist Petr Neužil. Vlasta Suchánková, spokesperson for the Central Bohemian Police, remembered her as a “legend” and a professional from whom many had learned.
Besserová’s career trajectory—moving from high-stakes police communications to specialized administrative oversight—reflects a unique transition often seen in seasoned public servants. Her ability to navigate the transition between the police and ministerial roles suggests a rare versatility in handling both crisis communication and long-term project management in the public sector.
What Happens Next
As the family processes this loss, the legacy of Besserová’s work remains tied to the institutions she served. It is likely that her contributions to the Czech police and the Galileo project will continue to be referenced in discussions regarding the history of these organizations. Furthermore, the strong family unit she built over the last two decades, which includes five children, will remain the primary focus of her husband, Jiří Besser, as they mourn her passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of Blanka Besserová’s death?
According to her husband, Jiří Besser, she passed away in May after a twenty-year battle with cancer.
What roles did Besserová hold in the Czech government?
She served as a spokesperson for the Police Presidium and the Unit for Combating Organized Crime (ÚOOZ), managed the Galileo satellite navigation project at the Ministry of Transport, and worked as an ombudswoman at the Ministry of the Interior.
Who attended the funeral in Beroun?
The funeral, held on June 3, was attended by over 100 people, including former Minister of the Interior Jan Kubice, former ÚOOZ deputy Jaroslav Hruška, and cardiologist Petr Neužil.
How will the public remember the contributions of long-serving administrative officials like Besserová?
