Czech news in brief for April 8: Monday's top headlines

Czech Police President Martin Vondrášek announced today that there are no concrete security threats for the upcoming World Ice Hockey Championships in Prague and Ostrava in May. Despite ongoing risk analysis, authorities remain vigilant amid global tensions, including the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and events in the Gaza Strip.

Intelligence services and Interpol were consulted for risk assessment. With over 740,000 expected attendees, police will focus on property crime, ticket fraud, public order, cyber threats, and transport issues. Nearly 11,000 officers, along with firefighters and customs police, will ensure the event’s safety from May 10 to 26.

Sand dust from the Sahara has returned to the Czech Republic, primarily affecting its western regions. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reported that its movement was higher in the atmosphere than at Easter when a smog alert was issued due to dense concentrations. Satellite imagery and air quality stations confirm increased PM10 levels, indicating possible Saharan dust. The institute warns of potential impacts on cloudiness, temperatures, and solar power plants.

Czechia faces a pertussis outbreak, with 6,397 cases reported this year, including 1,100 last week, the second-highest weekly count. School holidays may have impacted recent figures. Vaccines for adults, mainly pregnant women, aim to protect infants. The deaths of three, including a one-month-old, underscore the severity of the outbreak. Teenagers and infants are most affected. South Bohemia Region reports the highest cases. Importantly, parents are urged to ensure children receive timely vaccinations.

In Czechia, the International Organization for Migration survey reveals that over two-thirds of economically active Ukrainian refugees have secured jobs. Most are women with high education levels, forced to accept lower-skilled roles. Despite economic activity, nearly a third face financial strain. Many rely on multiple income sources and live in rental housing. The majority express a desire to return to Ukraine. The survey polled 5,010 refugees aged 18 and above across Czech regions from January to December 2023.

Prague braces for a significant temperature drop midweek following a warm start with highs near 30°C. Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts a cold front bringing over a 10°C decrease, with possible ground frosts on Thursday. The weekend will see temps rebound above 20°C. Last week saw record-breaking highs, with the first tropical day this year. Sunday saw highs surpassing 30°C, breaking 1934's record. The forecast suggests a cooler start next week.

International Roma Day on April 8 commemorates Europe's largest ethnic minority. Originating from the first Roma congress in 1971, the day celebrates Roma culture and history. However, Roma still face discrimination and poverty, with 80 percent at risk of poverty in 10 EU countries. A government report revealed that nearly 250,000 Roma reside in the Czech Republic as of 2020. The majority hail from Slovakia, followed by Olas Roma, Hungarian Roma, and smaller groups of Czech, Moravian Roma, and German Sinti.

Slovakia's newly elected president, Peter Pellegrini, drew attention from foreign media, who labeled the country's newly elected head of state a pro-Russian populist. Reports from outlets like BBC and The Guardian expressed concerns about Pellegrini's ties to Prime Minister Robert Fico and the potential shift away from Western alignment. European capitals urged continued engagement with Slovakia despite skepticism toward Pellegrini’s victory. Germany emphasized its role as Slovakia's key trading partner in maintaining political ties.

Czech farmers, represented by the Agrarian Chamber, demanded urgent government action due to the severe crisis in agriculture, with falling commodity prices and delayed subsidies. The chambers threatened further protests, seeking relief from administrative burdens and restrictions on duty-free imports from Ukraine. President Jan Doležal warned of a significant decline in agriculture and urged Minister Marek Výborny for support.

The groundwork for the D4 highway between Příbram and Písek, the first private highway in the Czech Republic, has been completed, including bridges. Asphalt laying and rest stop construction remain. The project by private investor Vinci Group anticipates completion before Christmas. The intelligent highway will feature extensive monitoring and cost CZK 11.5 billion, reimbursed through state availability payments over 25 years.