Czech news in brief for August 27: Tuesday's top headlines

According to a forthcoming amendment to the Act on Consumer Credit, starting in September, Czech banks will be able to charge clients significantly more for early mortgage repayment during the fixation period, potentially costing tens of thousands of crowns. This change allows banks to charge up to 0.25 percent of the repaid mortgage amount per year remaining until the end of the fixation, capped at one percent of the outstanding balance, making mortgage transfers to other banks more expensive.

The Czech Trade Inspection has reported an increase in cases of tobacco and alcohol sales to minors. In the first two quarters of this year, there were 79 cases of tobacco sales and 44 cases of alcohol sales to minors, compared to 71 and 13 respectively for the entire previous year. During this year's Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the inspectorate found the sale of alcohol to people under 18 in 26 cases during 76 inspections. Merchants face a fine of up to CZK 1 million for selling to underage customers.

Czechs are increasingly choosing to travel to the sea outside the peak of the summer holiday season – in May and September – taking advantage of lower prices and less crowded beaches. According to travel agencies, some hotels are now staying open year-round to accommodate the growing demand. Prices for holidays outside the main season are 15 to 20 percent lower, but one can even find offers that are one-third cheaper, spokeswoman for the Invia travel agency Jiřina Ekrt Jirušková told ČTK. 

Czech President Petr Pavel this afternoon emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in the Czech Republic's foreign and security policy during a meeting with Czech ambassadors. He stressed the need to uphold international rules and prevent the dominance of the stronger, specifically referring to Russia's aggression towards Ukraine. Pavel also praised the country for maintaining a unified stance on this issue, with the support of both government officials and opposition parties. Pavel appreciated that the Czech Republic has managed to maintain a unified, predictable, and clear position on this key issue.

According to a recent survey by the Center for Public Opinion Research, almost 40 percent of Czechs consider themselves to be right-leaning, while a quarter lean towards the left. The survey also found that the representation of the left has increased in the past year, while the representation of the right has decreased. This is only the second time since 2021 that the share of those on the right or center-right has fallen below 40 percent.

The Sparta Prague football team is one step away from qualifying for the Champions League tournament after 19 years. They will defend their 2:0 lead from the first match against Swedish club FC Malmö in front of their home fans tonight. Malmö will be missing offensive midfielder Sebastian Nanasi, who transferred to Strasbourg after the first match. The winner of the playoff will earn EUR 18.6 million (CZK 465.8 million) while the loser will play in the Europa League. 

Prague-based journalist Alsu Kurmaševová, who was recently released from a Russian prison, participated in a meeting of Czech ambassadors via video. She thanked Czech diplomacy for their efforts in securing her release and acknowledged that many other prisoners were not as fortunate. Kurmaševová, a Russian-American journalist, had been sentenced in July to 6.5 years in prison after being charged with spreading allegedly false information about the Russian army. She expressed her gratitude for being able to speak from her home in Prague after spending nine months in prison.

Czech tennis player Barbora Krejčíková has decided not to compete in the women's doubles at the U.S. Open tennis tournament this year. She will only participate in the singles and mixed doubles with Australian partner Matthew Ebden. After winning her first round match, Krejčíková cited the need for better rest and recovery as the reason for her decision. “It's just too much, I can't handle it like I did three or four years ago,” she said.

President Petr Pavel stated that professional armies alone are not enough to ensure security in the world. In a social media broadcast where he answered questions from citizens, he said that in the event of a major conflict, professional armies would not be sufficient. However, there are no plans to reintroduce compulsory military service in the Czech Republic. Pavel emphasized that the security of the country is everyone's responsibility, but the current system relies on a professional army with reserves for additional tasks. He acknowledged that some countries are considering restoring compulsory military service.