Czech news in brief for April 14: Monday's top headlines

Gas consumption in the Czech Republic rose 12 percent year on year during the current heating season due to colder weather, distributor GasNet announced Monday. The firm, which handles about 80 percent of the nation’s gas, delivered nearly 4.1 billion cubic meters, up from 3.65 billion last year. January saw the highest monthly usage, with a daily peak on Feb. 17 amid severe frost. Analysts note this marks a second straight quarter of rising energy use since the 2022 energy crisis following the start of the full-scale Russia-Ukraine war.

The Prague City Court this afternoon sentenced Vladimir Gergel, founder of Help Ukraine, to 5.5 years in prison for embezzling millions in subsidies meant for integrating Ukrainian refugees. Gergel was also banned from leading any foundations for five years. He was accused of misusing CZK 20 million in government grants intended for refugee programs at the Roztyly Community Center. Gergel denies the charges and has appealed the verdict, which is not yet final.

Czech banks issued CZK 32.8 billion in mortgages in March, up 29 percent from February, according to the Czech Banking Association. New loans, excluding refinancing, reached CZK 27.2 billion. The average interest rate edged down from 4.72 percent to 4.68 percent. Analysts attribute the growth to bank promotions and rising demand for home ownership. New mortgage counts rose 47 percent year-over-year, while the average loan size increased to CZK 4 million amid higher property prices and wage growth.

Czech Railways will increase capacity on long-distance trains from Wednesday to Monday during the Easter holiday period, the company announced Monday. Heavily traveled routes include Prague to Pilsen, Brno, Ostrava, and destinations in Slovakia. Passengers are urged to book seats early and monitor “traffic light” indicators showing train occupancy. Travelers are also advised to avoid peak hours and consider regional routes around Prague, such as to Beroun and Kolín, for more seating availability.

Czech police proposed charges Monday against 20 suspects in a Czech-Ukrainian gang accused of defrauding victims through fake bank calls. The group allegedly stole over CZK 100 million by posing as Czech National Bank staff, urging victims to transfer savings or install remote access software. Operating from a call center in Odessa since October 2022, the gang reportedly committed around 500 crimes. Authorities dismantled the ring in April 2024 with Ukrainian police assistance.

Czech politicians are debating how to fund a planned increase in defense spending to 3 percent of GDP. Opposition leader Andrej Babiš has proposed a special tax on arms manufacturers, similar to windfall levies on banks and energy firms. The government and defense officials oppose the idea, warning it could harm the industry. Experts suggest options include cutting other spending, raising revenue, or increasing debt to meet the goal.

Nearly 98,130 applicants are taking the second round of unified entrance exams for four-year matriculation fields and extensions on Monday, up 4,000 from last year. The exams, consisting of Czech and math tests, allow students to keep their better result from two dates. Applicants to multi-year grammar schools will test Tuesday and Wednesday. Final results from the first admissions round will be announced on May 15, Cermat said.

The state-run operator of the Czech highway vignette e-shop, Cendis, warned Sunday of a fraudulent website imitating the official portal, edalnice.cz. The fake site displays correct pricing but charges users large sums without delivering a valid vignette. Police are investigating the scam. Cendis urges drivers to verify web addresses before purchasing and notes similar fraudulent sites often charge hidden fees or complicate administration of the e-vignette.

The Czech Republic is expected to see its first summer-like day of the year this week, with temperatures possibly reaching 25°C on Wednesday. Meteorologists say the warm spell will be accompanied by gusty winds, slightly reducing the perceived temperature. While a cold front later in the week will bring some cooling, overall temperatures will remain above seasonal norms. Rain and possible thunderstorms are forecast, particularly in Bohemia and mountain regions.

Works sold for CZK 40.2 million at the Expo 58 ART auction in Prague on Sunday, according to the Adolf Loos Apartment and Gallery. The top sale was František Kupka’s 1927 painting Ovale d’Acier, which fetched CZK 7.9 million. Other high sellers included Jan Zrzavý’s Tête for CZK 7.5 million and Václav Boštík’s In principio for CZK 6.9 million. Sculptor Vincenc Makovský set a new auction record.