Czech news in brief for April 7: Monday's top headlines

Due to additional work, including modifications for fire safety and earthquake preparedness, the cost of constructing the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Japan has exceeded the budget by CZK 92.6 million. World Expos are large international exhibitions that bring together countries and organizations to showcase innovations, technologies, and cultural exchange. Delays raised concerns about the pavilion’s completion before the April 13 opening.

Czechs remain most satisfied with goods, services, culture and transport, while corruption continues to draw the highest dissatisfaction, a January survey by the Center for Public Opinion Research revealed Monday. Seventy percent praised service availability, but only 7 percent expressed satisfaction with corruption levels. Public finances, politics, and immigration also drew criticism. Views varied by age, education, and living standards. The findings mirror similar results from early 2024, indicating persistent concerns about governance and public trust.

Fans have already purchased almost 100,000 tickets for the 2025 Women's World Championship for ice hockey—held this year in České Budějovice—in advance, and the Czech team's matches are sold out. The previous record attendance was set in 2007, when Canada hosted the World Championships in Winnipeg and Selkirk. Over 119,000 spectators attended. In Czechia, the medal matches are scheduled for April 20. "We believe that thanks to the favorable prices, which are set at under CZK 500 for two matches, fans will appreciate the afternoon programs," said event organizers.

Weekend frosts damaged apricot and peach blossoms in Czech and Moravian orchards, fruit growers said Monday. Martin Ludvík of the Czech Fruit Growers' Union warned it’s too early to assess the full impact, but further frosts are expected through mid-May. Last year’s late frost caused record losses. Agricultural Union head Martin Pýcha confirmed local damage but said it may take weeks to quantify. Apricots and peaches, now in bloom, are the most vulnerable to cold.

Police have seized assets exceeding CZK 100 million in a corruption case tied to contracts at Motol University Hospital, a senior prosecutor has confirmed. The seizures were made under the direction of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Two dozen individuals, including former hospital director and ex-health minister Miloslav Ludvík, face charges of bribery, fraud, and money laundering. The list of seized assets may grow as investigations continue into alleged misuse of EU funds.

Czech President Petr Pavel began a historic four-day visit to Africa Saturday, becoming the first Czech or Czechoslovak head of state to visit Mauritania and the first to visit Ghana in over 60 years. Accompanied by a business delegation, Pavel aims to boost trade and security cooperation. The Czech Industry Confederation sees strong potential, particularly in defense, mining, and environmental technologies, given Mauritania’s untapped economic opportunities.

Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka warned Sunday that upcoming U.S. tariffs on automotive parts, set for May 3, could hurt Czech manufacturers more than current reciprocal tariffs. The new 25 percent duty may slow Czech economic growth by up to 0.7 percentage points, the Finance Ministry estimates. The U.S., Czechia’s 10th-largest export market, recently launched broad tariffs under President Trump, prompting the EU to prepare countermeasures effective April 13.

Austria has temporarily closed 24 minor border crossings with Slovakia and Hungary due to foot-and-mouth disease concerns, APA reported Saturday. The closures, effective April 5 through May 20, aim to prevent the disease from spreading into Austria, where no cases have been reported. Austrian army disaster relief units are assisting in Slovakia’s Dunajska Streda region, treating vehicles with water and chemical sprays to curb the outbreak.

 A fight among four men in Prague’s Letná district Sunday led to a knife attack that left two men stabbed, one critically, and another with a head injury, officials said. All three were hospitalized. The incident began with an argument in a barbershop and escalated on a nearby street. Police detained a suspect and are investigating. Two of the involved were foreigners, and charges are yet to be filed.

Dozens, mostly families with children, joined a symbolic procession in Prague Sunday to burn a paper effigy of Morana, marking winter’s end and spring’s arrival. Organized by Velvet Feast, the event also protested corporal punishment, calling for legislative change. Accompanied by drumming band Bla-bu-bu-ro, participants paraded to Charles Bridge before tossing Morana into the Vltava River, highlighting the need for empathy, nonviolence, and respect in child-rearing.