Czech news in brief for April 11: Friday's top headlines

Dozens of students protested outside the Czech government office in Prague Friday, urging stronger climate action and condemning growing fossil fuel industry influence. Organized by Fridays for Future, the protest targeted billionaire energy moguls Daniel Křetínský and Pavel Tykač. Students criticized the government's “lex plyn” energy law, warning it favors gas infrastructure and fossil fuel dependency. Protesters called for a just, ambitious transition and protection from climate-driven disasters.

Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný said Thursday that Europe must unify to negotiate with the U.S. on tariffs and block a surge of Chinese imports. Speaking after a KDU-CSL committee meeting, Výborný called recent U.S. trade moves “unfortunate” and urged the EU to resist becoming a dumping ground for Chinese goods. He also advocated removing internal EU trade barriers to strengthen Europe’s position in ongoing trade talks.

Czechia’s low birth rate is unlikely to improve soon, Health Minister Vlastimil Válek said Wednesday, citing aging mothers and long-term demographic trends. He noted that even countries heavily investing in fertility, like Hungary and Poland, have seen limited success. Czechia recorded just 84,311 births in 2023, the lowest since its founding. Experts link the decline to social and economic factors, with fertility rates dropping sharply since 2022.

Unified entrance exams for four-year secondary schools in Czechia began Friday, with a second testing date set for Monday. Roughly 98,130 students registered for the exams—about 4,000 more than last year. Multi-year grammar school applicants will take their exams next week. In total, 124,650 pupils will participate. Exams include math and Czech tests. Results will be announced May 15, and students could apply to up to five programs.

A 35-year-old man died after being fatally mauled by a dog Sunday in Prachatice, police confirmed Thursday. Authorities are investigating the case as suspected manslaughter and working to determine who owned the dog, believed to be an American Bully XL, according to local media. If the animal attacked its owner, prosecution may not follow. Police are withholding further details out of respect for the victim’s family.

Films by Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Jafar Panahi, and the Dardenne brothers will compete for the Palme d'Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival from May 13–24, organizers announced Thursday. Among 20 main competition entries, six are directed by women. Among them, Czech director Zuzana Kirchnerová’s Caravan will screen in the Un Certain Regard section, marking a rare Czech presence in Cannes' official program since 1994. The film focuses on a single-mom's transformative roadtrip with her mentally disabled son. Juliette Binoche will head the jury.