Czech news in brief for December 18: Wednesday's top headlines

President Petr Pavel signed the 2024 Czech state budget, with a deficit of 241 billion crowns, citing it as the better option despite reservations about revenue and spending forecasts. Pavel secured assurances from Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura that the deficit won't exceed the planned sum. The budget prioritizes public finance consolidation, investments, and social peace but faces criticism over overestimated revenues.

The Czech Republic is drafting a Charter against Antigypsyism, inviting schools, municipalities, and organizations to combat anti-Roma discrimination, Government Commissioner Lucie Fuková announced. The initiative seeks to promote zero tolerance and support Roma culture. Roma representatives rejected Ombudsman Stanislav Křeček claim that not all acts are discriminatory, emphasizing the need to address stereotypes and involve Roma communities in solutions for better relations.

Events across Czechia today commemorate former President Václav Havel, who died on Dec. 18, 2011. Politicians will pay respects at his grave in Vinohrady, while a Christmas concert will be held at Prague's National Technical Museum to mark the anniversary. Archival film screenings pay homage to the dissident and playwright's legacy at the Václav Havel Library. In Hradec Králové, citizens will gather at Havel's bench, and his Hrádeček cottage will host tributes. Havel, the first Czech president, remains a symbol of democracy and culture.

A 26-year-old psychologist, Chiara Moscardi, died in a collision involving a Czech truck on the A4 highway near Noventa di Piave, Italy, on Tuesday afternoon. Three others, including the Czech driver, were injured. The truck struck a broken-down vehicle in the emergency lane. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro offered condolences, praising Moscardi’s dedication to her work with vulnerable individuals. Police are investigating the incident.

Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, was fined EUR 251 million by the Irish Data Protection Authority for a 2018 data breach exposing personal data of 29 million users, including three million in the EU. The breach revealed names, emails, and phone numbers. Meta plans to appeal, citing corrective actions taken at the time. The fine adds to nearly EUR 3 billion in EU penalties for GDPR violations since 2018.