Czech news in brief for April 4: Thursday's top headlines

Prime Minister Petr Fiala will discuss security and economic cooperation during his visit to the U.S. in mid-April, when he will meet President Joe Biden. The meeting coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic's NATO membership. The leaders will discuss shared priorities, including defending Ukraine and Czechia-U.S. trade. "Not only are a number of American companies operating in the Czech Republic, but there are already successful Czech companies investing in the U.S. We need to open the door to that," Fiala said.

Czech authorities sentenced 70-year-old Pavel Vorlický to nine years in prison for fraud after being on the run since 2005. He scammed around CZK 90 million from different people. He confessed and must compensate the victim for the majority of the damage. Vorlický was previously sentenced to 12 years in prison, but was only caught by police last fall after being one of the most wanted individuals in the Czech Republic. According to the Brno Regional Court, between 1994 and 2004 the man defrauded approximately 160 people.

A weeks-old child with whooping cough died at the Hradec Králové University Hospital, authorities have confirmed today. His condition was complicated by other infections. This is the third death in Czechia this year as a result of complications from whooping cough. The first person to die from the bacterial disease in the Czech Republic this year was a 62-year-old man from the Náchod district who had other serious illnesses. He died from his underlying conditions. Czechia recorded nearly 5,300 cases of the disease in the first quarter of 2024 – far more than previous years.

Head of the Czech Defense and Security Industry Association Jiří Hynek stated this afternoon that the Czech initiative for Ukraine plans to purchase 800,000 grenades for an estimated EUR 2 billion (about CZK 51 billion). The amount includes 800,000 caliber grenades. Prague has so far received funds from its allies to buy the first 300,000 pieces of ammunition, and another 500,000 pieces are being negotiated, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said earlier.

Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced support of Slovak Parliament Speaker Peter Pellegrini ahead of the presidential runoff. The former Czech PM praised Pellegrini's qualities during a debate. The upcoming election between Pellegrini and diplomat Ivan Korčok remains highly contested. Babiš criticized Czech PM Petr Fiala's handling of the Visegrad Four alliance. Both candidates voiced concerns about media bias. Pellegrini gained endorsements from PM Fico and others, while Korčok rallied supporters in Bratislava, emphasizing his political independence.

In an interview with CNN Prima, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Prague had allocated hundreds of millions of crowns for artillery ammo for Ukraine. The Czech Republic received funds from allies for 300,000 pieces of ammo, with negotiations underway for 500,000 more, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský confirmed. Fiala defended the secrecy behind the amount of the Czech contribution, citing security concerns. Allies like Canada and Germany have pledged support, with donations totaling about CZK 35 billion. More funds are being sought for the initiative.

Unseasonably warm weather is forecast for the Czech Republic this weekend, with temperatures reaching 21-27 degrees Celsius. The trend is expected to continue into early next week, surpassing average temperatures for this time of year. Cloudy skies and light rain are forecasted today and Friday, with temperatures not exceeding 20 degrees. Meteorologists anticipate possible new temperature records amid the warm spell. Cooling is expected by midweek.

The Digital and Information Agency plans to roll out a mobile version of the Citizen Portal in mid-April, expanding electronic state services accessibility. Deputy Prime Minister Iva Bartoš announced the move, highlighting the portal’s current usage by over a million individuals. The mobile app aims to provide all existing services, offering direct notifications. Additionally, eDoklady, enhancing document verification, has seen significant uptake, with plans for broader adoption by authorities and businesses in the coming months.

Czech addiction experts urged the EU to revamp drug policy, favoring regulation over prohibition. Think Tank on Rational Addiction Policy and Harm Reduction Academy propose measures to mitigate risks, citing disproportionate punishment. Ahead of European elections, they advocate for evidence-based approaches, emphasizing the need for unified EU action. Czechia, described as a leader in addiction policy, could serve as a model. Experts push for integrated strategies, highlighting the role of regulation in curbing organized crime and enhancing access to treatment.