Czech news in brief for December 17: Sunday's top headlines

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a warning in select parts of Bohemia and Moravia for freezing fog. Drivers are especially advised to be aware of the risk of slippery roads and reduced visibility. The warning is in effect from 10:00 p.m. tonight until 10:00 a.m. Monday morning.

Motorists are advised to reduce speed and drive cautiously in fog, as prolonged freezing fog can lead to icy road conditions. While the fogs are expected to mostly dissipate on Monday morning, some regions, especially in central Moravia, may experience persisting fog.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed optimism about the Czech Republic's economic situation in the coming year during a televised debate with opposition leader Andrej Babiš. Fiala anticipates economic growth, lower inflation, and increased real wages over the next year, citing positive indicators.

In contrast, Babiš criticized the government's handling of inflation, accusing it of damaging the country. The debate also touched on high energy prices, the Liberty smelter's financial issues, and an agreement on funding for doctors who quit due to excessive overtime. The exchange included mutual accusations of lying and showcased differing views on economic policies and government decisions.

Lipnice Castle, in Lipnice nad Sázavou, Czech Republic, has opened to the public for the first time in winter, offering Advent tours showcasing Christmas customs and medieval heating methods. The castle is festively decorated, with over a hundred people attending the first day of the three-day Advent tours over the weekend.

Visitors can explore the castle's interiors illuminated by dozens of candles, learn about medieval heating techniques, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and traditional decorations.

Today marks the third Sunday of Advent, known as Silver Sunday, with the penultimate candle lit on the Advent wreath according to Czech tradition. As the fourth Sunday coincides with Christmas Eve this year, festive gatherings are just a week away. Homes are bustling with Christmas preparations, from baking and cleaning to gift shopping.

Many people in Czechia embrace the season by attending Advent markets, concerts, and exhibitions. Advent, derived from the Latin "adventus" meaning arrival, symbolizes the anticipation of Jesus Christ's coming. Despite modern busyness, Advent encourages spiritual reflection, meditation, and charity. The Advent season concludes at sunset on Christmas Eve.

In a quest for the top spot in the Swiss Games standings, the Czech national ice hockey team will face Sweden later today, vying for their sixth victory this season. Sweden, with two wins, holds the Swiss Games lead with six points, while the Czechs trail by one point after their 3-2 overtime victory over Switzerland yesterday.

Seeking another tournament title following their November success in Karjale, Finland, the Czech team aims for victory in Zurich at 1 p.m. this afternoon. The Czech team's winning streak to start the season, now at five games, marks a record achievement for the national team and coach Radim Rulík.

In the village of Semněvice in the Plzeň region, the Church of St. Jiří illuminated its baroque altar crafted by baroque carver Franz Stilp on Saturday evening. The altar, which dates back to the first half of the 18th century, hadn't lit up in decades. Electrified in 1910-1911, the altar boasts several original Thomas Alva Edison light bulbs.

The ceremonial lighting, coinciding with St. Lucia's feast, attracted nearly 150 attendees, with the event contributing to the altar's restoration funds. Mayor Antonín Kolář, who purchased the dilapidated rectory and led its restoration, highlighted the altar's technical charm illuminated by century-old light bulbs. The community seeks to raise funds for the altar's repair, aiming to preserve its cultural significance.

Prague City Hall has approved the allocation of CZK 13.4 million crowns to schools as part of a program to support young refugees from Ukraine, known as the "zero years." Co-financed by UNICEF, the initiative aims to enhance the educational opportunities for Ukrainian children entering secondary schools or higher education in the Czech Republic.

The funds will be utilized by schools to implement a preparatory course, lasting at least 120 hours, focusing on Czech language skills, communication, functional and reading literacy, grammar, and specific subjects like history, geography, mathematics, and civic education. This initiative seeks to facilitate the integration of young Ukrainian refugees into the Czech education system.

The Food Chamber of the Czech Republic reports that suppliers are unreasonably increasing food prices. Dana Večeřová, the chamber's president, believes the situation is artificially exacerbated. Czech The Trade and Tourism Association attributes the rise in food prices to supplier cost increases.

Večeřová emphasizes the need for assistance, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises struggling with energy prices. Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný announced expected food price hikes despite reduced VAT. The Food Chamber has previously stated that the VAT reduction will not affect food prices in any way.

Prague detectives have successfully apprehended a 33-year-old foreigner sought across Europe for various crimes, including sexual coercion, child sexual abuse preparation, weapon-assisted rape, possession of child pornography, and sixteen fraud cases.

The arrest followed a tip from the father of two boys who were contacted by the suspect via Whatsapp, under the alias "Mark," attempting to initiate a sexual relationship. The police, with operative efforts, located the suspect at Na Chobotě playground in Prague 6, subsequently detaining him in Zličín. A European Arrest Warrant has been issued for the individual, who is now awaiting extradition.

The Czech School Inspectorate's latest report indicates a positive trend as the proportion of secondary school students failing their matriculation exams decreased slightly. In the spring term of 2023, 17.3 percent failed the exams, an improvement from the 20.8 percent recorded in 2022.

Notably, extension study students experienced a significant decrease, dropping from 48.1 percent to 39.8 percent. While 6 percent of baccalaureate enrollees opted out of the exam, 98 percent of grammar school students successfully attempted it. Challenges persist, especially in mathematics, but language exam improvements contribute to a more optimistic landscape, according to the report.

Prague's Slavia football club is poised for a significant ownership change as Pavel Tykač, the fourth-wealthiest Czech with assets valued at CZK 183 billion, prepares to acquire a majority stake for a reported CZK 2 billion. The news, corroborated by various sources, suggests an official announcement may occur early next year.

Slavia's current majority owner, CITIC Europe Holdings, has held a 99.98 percent stake since 2018. Tykač's involvement is anticipated to bring substantial investments, aiming to bolster the team and challenge rivals Sparta for the championship title in the Czech First League.