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

In Prague and Brno, renters pay nearly 60 percent of their average net monthly wages for a 60-square-meter apartment, according to a real estate analysis by UlovDomov.cz. In Ostrava, rental costs are less than half the average wage. Although wages have increased, they haven't kept pace with rising rental prices. Housing allowances have doubled, offering some relief. Rent still remains more affordable than mortgages in major cities. In Prague, a tenant will pay an average of CZK 22,000 for a 2+1 apartment of 60 square meters.

Czech Environment Minister Petr Hladík urged for stricter regulations on non-European digital marketplaces like Temu during a meeting in Brussels today. Supported by most EU countries, the Czech Republic aims to ensure compliance with European rules on packaging, taxation, and consumer standards. Hladík warned that non-compliance harms consumers and fair competition. The issue may be addressed through the European Digital Services Regulation or the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal proposal.

Ostrava firefighters are investigating a mass fish die-off in the Odra River, officials reported Wednesday. The cause remains unclear as water samples are tested, and precautionary barriers are being installed near Bohumín, near the Czech-Polish border. The Czech Environmental Inspectorate is on-site amid concerns that Ostrava’s central wastewater plant, non-operational since recent floods, may be involved. Authorities continue monitoring the river while assessing the extent of the incident.

Support for nuclear energy in the Czech Republic has risen to 71 percent, nearing an all-time high, a survey has found. Over half of respondents favor combining nuclear power with renewable energy for the country’s energy future. The survey also showed declining public concern about the Ukraine war’s impact on energy, with 59 percent still citing it as an issue, down 6 percentage points since spring. An increasing proportion of the public perceives the benefits of combining nuclear energy with renewable sources.

 The Czech government unveiled a program Monday to prevent childhood violence, citing its link to societal tragedies like the December shooting at Charles University. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan and Education Minister Mikuláš Bek highlighted plans to strengthen crisis lines, improve prevention, and review sudden child deaths. The initiative aims to enhance cooperation across ministries and better support families.

Transparency International criticized Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s government for failing to address corruption, blaming the Civic Democrats (ODS). The group accuses Justice Minister Pavel Blažek of undermining democratic institutions and claims the government weakens anti-corruption laws for private interests. Transparency warns that delays in reforms, like lobbying laws and procurement oversight, could jeopardize public trust and EU funding. Fiala and Blažek have yet to comment.

Public trust in Czech President Petr Pavel has fallen to 51 percent, a 2-point drop since summer, according to a CVVM survey. This marks his lowest trust level since taking office in March. Trust in the government and parliament remains low, at 23 percent and 24 percent, respectively. In contrast, mayors and municipal authorities retain high confidence, with trust levels exceeding 65 percent. The poll surveyed 1,008 citizens this autumn.

Czech Environment Minister Petr Hladík called for stricter EU regulations on non-EU online marketplaces, particularly Chinese platforms like Temu. Speaking ahead of the EU Environment Council, Hladík cited non-compliance with EU rules on taxation, recycling, and consumer standards. He urged uniform regulations to protect consumers and ensure fair competition. The European Commission recently launched an investigation into Temu for potential violations of EU law.

Parking in Prague’s mixed and visitor zones will be discounted from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3, the city’s Technical Administration of Communications announced. Drivers will pay only an hourly rate for all-day parking, with costs ranging from CZK 20 to 80depending on location. The discount applies to zones without full-week operating hours, where parking is often free on weekends.

Germany assured Czechia it would likely abolish a gas transit fee impacting regional prices by January, Czech Deputy Industry Minister Štěpán Hofman said. The German Bundestag is expected to approve the measure this week or next month with retroactive effect. Introduced in 2022, the fee raised costs for Czech, Austrian, and Slovak importers. Germany’s amendment will limit the fee to domestic customers.