Czech news in brief for December 19: Thursday's top headlines

A Moaravian-Silesian court today sentenced a woman to a five-year suspended sentence for fraud, requiring her to repay over CZK 1 million to couples she deceived with false surrogacy promises.Once she received the money, she stopped communicating with the couples. In some cases, she made excuses for not being able to attend appointments or tests. The verdict, issued in December, is not final as appeals are possible. Detectives investigated the case for two years, finding the woman collected fees ranging from CZK 10,000 to CZK 50,000.

The Anti-Corruption Endowment Fund, a Czech watchdog credited with saving over two billion crowns through major corruption cases, is shutting down after 13 years, director Karel Škácha announced Wednesday. Founder Karel Janeček cited a shift in focus toward defending free speech, calling it democracy’s core challenge. The fund, which backed anti-corruption projects, will preserve its resources online to continue promoting justice and transparency.

The Pražská teplárenská regional energy company will increase heat prices for households by 8 percent starting Jan. 1 due to rising fuel, emission allowance, and operational costs. The company, part of the Veolia Group, cited inflation and higher regulated energy prices as factors. Serving over 230,000 households in Prague, the company sources most of its heat from a coal-powered plant in Mělník and an ecological waste incinerator. Other Czech heating providers are expected to follow suit.

The Prague police had around midday been investigating hoax reports of a man with a gun heading from Letná Park to the city center, prompting a search by dozens of officers. The police initially confirmed the security measures in place but later stated the report was unsubstantiated. It appears the caller fabricated the information, and authorities are now working with him under suspicion of spreading a false message.

A Center for Public Opinion Research poll reveals 42 percent of Czechs favored Democrat Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, while 25 percent supported President-elect Donald Trump. Interest in the election was low, with less than half of the public engaged. Men showed stronger support for Trump, while older voters leaned Republican. Incumbent President Joe Biden's performance received mostly negative reviews, contrasting with Barack Obama's more favorable legacy in Czechia.

The Czech government approved its National Climate and Energy Plan, committing to increase renewable energy use to over 30 percent and phase out coal by 2033. Industry Minister Lukas Vlcek emphasized a shift toward renewables and nuclear power. The plan avoids controversial EU proposals like expanded emission allowances. Environment Minister Petr Hladik noted it aims to cut foreign energy dependence and boost GDP by 2 percent.

A STEM/MARK survey reveals seven in ten Czechs cannot imagine working in their current jobs until the new retirement age of 67, citing physical and psychological strain. Nearly half favor retirement between ages 61 and 65. Concerns about financial stability in retirement persist, with most saving modestly. The government’s pension reform, raising the retirement age gradually to 67, aims to ensure future payouts but faces public resistance.

Amazon’s Czech distribution centers are processing twice as many shipments as usual this holiday season. Peak activity occurred during Black Friday sales. To handle the surge, the Dobrovíz facility hired 2,600 temporary workers, while Kojetín, using robotic systems, added 1,000. Investments in automation, including automatic scanning tunnels, have streamlined operations. Amazon has operated in Czechia since 2013, with significant growth in revenue and profit in recent years.

EU inflation increased to 2.5 percent in November from 2.3 percent in October, Eurostat reported. Czech inflation rose to 3.1 percent, above the EU average. The eurozone rate climbed to 2.2 percent. Month-on-month, EU prices fell 0.2 percent, while Czech prices rose 0.1 percent. ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane warned of ongoing risks, including wage growth and geopolitical tensions, which could drive inflation higher. Romania recorded the EU's highest inflation at 5.4 percent.

Smaller apartments in Czechia cost 10-70 percent more per square meter than larger ones, with the steepest increases for units under 31 square meters, an analysis by Valuo.cz reveals. Prague leads with an average of CZK 143,000 per square meter, followed by Brno at CZK 115,000. High demand from young investors fuels the trend, while larger apartments remain more affordable due to lower buyer interest.

Prague is reinforcing its ban on pyrotechnics in historic zones and near sensitive areas, citing animal welfare concerns. Instead of fireworks, the city will host video mapping at the Botanical Garden and offer discounts to cultural sites, including the zoo and museums. Officials urge residents to follow the ban, with fines for violations reaching up to CZK 100,000. The campaign aims to ensure safer New Year’s celebrations for all.