Czech news in brief for December 11: Wednesday's top headlines

Sellers of weapons and ammunition in Czechia must report suspicious transactions to police starting early next year, under a Weapons Act amendment approved by the Senate this afternoon. Prompted by last year's mass shooting at Charles University, the law enables quicker action on alarming behaviors and aims for tighter weapons regulation overall. However, the amendment lacks specifics on weapons-seizure protocols. The new act aims to reduce the regular review period of gun owners' medical fitness from 10 to five years.

Childhood obesity in Czechia rose sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic (and it continues to do so), according to health experts at a press conference today. Obesity rates in kids rose by one-third in 2021, and severe obesity grew by 50 percent compared to 1991, affecting 16.4 percent of children monitored. Researchers attributed the rise to pandemic lockdowns that disrupted physical activity and eating habits. Authorities also say that the salt content in school lunches significantly exceeds the recommended values.

The Czech-German Fund for the Future will allocate CZK 35 million to 159 projects preserving Czech Lands’ cultural heritage, officials announced today. Efforts include restoring 21 churches, two synagogues, and seven cemeteries. Board co-chairs praised local initiatives for preserving historical ties to German and Jewish communities. Projects include renovations of the Cvilín baroque church and Filipov basilica, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding shared cultural roots.

Czech lawmakers from the majority government coalition Civic Democrats party, led by MP Renáta Zajíčková, have unveiled a sweeping education reform plan. The proposal includes shortening primary school from nine to eight years, extending compulsory school attendance, and restructuring secondary education. The changes, which also involve smaller and larger school leaving exams, aim to modernize the system. Support for the reform extends to Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Education Minister Mikuláš Bek.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies held a five-hour debate to approve the agenda for a controversial proposal to increase compulsory television and radio license fees. After eight and a half hours, the government coalition imposed time limits on politicians' speeches. Opposition leaders, including ANO's Andrej Babiš and Freedom and Direct Democracy chief Tomio Okamura, criticized the coalition for limiting debate, accusing them of restricting their ability to present proposals.

Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O'Flaherty urged Czech lawmakers this month to extend the deadline for compensation claims from victims of forced sterilizations. The law, which allows compensation for unlawful sterilizations, is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2025. O'Flaherty highlighted shortcomings in the law's implementation, particularly for Roma women. Czech officials have proposed a two-year extension to ensure victims' access to compensation.

The Czech Constitutional Court annulled major provisions of the "Lex Babiš II," citing flaws in its legislative process. The law, targeting media ownership and subsidies for politicians, faced criticism for being an unconstitutional rider. The ruling restores previous conflict-of-interest rules and underscores the need for transparency in lawmaking. Opposition ANO hailed the decision as a win for parliamentary minorities, urging legislative reforms.

Bijan Sabet, U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic, resigned after Donald Trump’s presidential election. Sabet, who has served since 2023, highlighted strengthened U.S.-Czech relations during his tenure. His successor will be named after his inauguration in January. A venture capitalist and Boston College alumnus, Sabet praised his team’s efforts to deepen security, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.

Czech officials plan to discuss compensating transgender individuals forced to undergo surgery for legal sex changes following a Constitutional Court ruling declaring the requirement unconstitutional. Government Human Rights Commissioner Klára Šimáčková Laurencíková and Deputy Justice Minister Karel Dvořák stressed the need to prepare regulations by July. Critics say mandatory surgery violates human dignity and international human rights standards, with 0.03 percent of the population identifying as transgender.

Czech President Petr Pavel condemned violence against protesters, journalists, and opposition in Georgia during a phone call with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili. Pavel praised Georgians’ resilience in supporting their country’s EU aspirations. Protests erupted following Georgia’s suspension of EU accession talks, intensifying political tensions after disputed parliamentary elections. Czech diplomacy reaffirmed its support for Georgia's European path and criticized the crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.

Water prices in the Czech Republic will increase by up to 4 percent above the 2 percent inflation forecast for 2024, driven by infrastructure costs, production expenses, and pollution treatment requirements, according to the Association of Waterworks. Regional differences will persist, with some areas seeing sharper hikes. Average daily consumption in 2023 was 87 liters per person, slightly declining as 94.5 percent of residents accessed tap water.