Czech news in brief for April 2: Wednesday's top headlines

Former Czech member of parliament Dominik Feri faces a new rape charge, Prague prosecutors said Wednesday. The case involves a woman who alleges Feri removed a condom without consent when she was 17. Police initially dropped the case, but the Constitutional Court later ruled it should be reconsidered. Feri, currently serving a three-year sentence for previous sexual assaults, denies all charges. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. The judges criticized the police for not checking the girl's allegations more thoroughly.

The Czech government seeks swift approval of an asylum and migration law amendment to prevent security risks as Germany tightens its rules, Environment Minister Petr Hladík said Tuesday. The proposal, backed by top officials, may be debated this month. However, opposition parties ANO and the Freedom and Direct Democracy party plan to block fast-track approval, demanding changes. Hladík urged them not to "play politics" with national security. The lower house could begin debating the bill this month.

Cyberattacks on Czech companies and institutions rose 4 percent year on year to 1,699 in 2024, with damages surging 38 percent to CZK 632 million, police chief Martin Vondrášek said Wednesday afternoon. Over five years, cybercrime losses exceeded CZK 3 billion. Non-banking institutions, online shops, and schools were frequent targets. Authorities and banks are expanding cybersecurity education, aiming to train 250,000 business and institutional representatives. Digital trust is a key prerequisite for a functioning economy, said the CEO of the Mastercard for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Two carriages of a RegioJet express train derailed at Ostrava's main station this morning, with 60 passengers aboard and no injuries reported, the Railway Administration says. The Railway Inspection’s Jan Kučera estimated damage at CZK 3 million for the vehicles and one million for the track. Traffic disruptions were reported, though limited service was restored by 8:30 a.m. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation. Long-term infrastructure issues are the probable cause.

The public finance deficit in the Czech Republic improved in 2024, falling to 2.2 percent of GDP from 3.8 percent in 2023, with the total deficit amounting to CZK 177.2 billion. This positive shift was attributed to a growth in total revenues, primarily from social contributions, outpacing the rise in government expenditures. However, despite the reduction in the deficit, the government's debt ratio increased slightly, reaching 43.6 percent of GDP, up from 42.5 percent the previous year.

Arctic air could hit the Czech Republic this weekend, with freezing temperatures expected to threaten the apricot harvest and other flowering fruit trees. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warns that Sunday and the following nights may see significant frosts, with temperatures possibly dropping below zero. While meteorologists can't yet predict exact temperatures, conditions may risk widespread damage to fruit crops, especially in regions where apricots are already blooming.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has begun placing employees at its Prague headquarters on unpaid leave due to a delay in U.S. congressional funding, the broadcaster said Monday. The U.S. Agency for Global Media continues to withhold funds despite a court ruling reinstating them. RFE/RL is challenging the funding halt, initiated under Donald Trump’s administration, in court.

Chinese automaker BYD has officially entered the Czech market, offering two electric cars and one hybrid model through three dealerships. The Seal U DM-i hybrid and Seal electric sedan will be available, with prices starting at CZK 970,000. The company plans to expand its presence with 30 dealerships in the Czech Republic and 20 in Slovakia by year-end. BYD aims to double international sales to over 800,000 vehicles in 2025.

A new railway line connecting Prague with Úvaly in Central Bohemia began operations on April 1. The service, running every 30 minutes during peak hours, improves access to key neighborhoods such as Libeň, Kyjí, and Běchovice. New Polish-made electric trains replace older units, offering greater comfort, including air conditioning, barrier-free access, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The project aims to reduce congestion and provide an affordable alternative to car travel.

A record 88,206 students will sit for the Czech school-leaving exams this year, the highest number in the last decade. Of these, 82,462 are first-time candidates, marking an increase of 5,168 from last year. Most students will take the mandatory Czech exam, with many choosing English as their second subject. The exams, organized by Cermat, will take place from May 2 to 6.