Czech news in brief for December 20: Friday's top headlines

The Czech government has postponed the digitalization of state services until 2027, a two-year delay approved by the Chamber of Deputies today. Originally set to begin in February 2024, the delay allows authorities more time to prepare. The move has faced criticism from opposition parties, including the Pirates, who support a one-year delay. The Senate must approve the amendment before it can be signed into law by the president.

The Czech Republic's external debt rose by CZK 176.2 billion in Q3 2024, reaching CZK 5.1 trillion by September. This was CZK 479 billion higher than last year, representing 64.2 percent of GDP. Three-quarters of the debt is held by the private sector, with government institutions accounting for 17.2 percent. Most debt increases were due to foreign purchases of government bonds, bank bonds, and trade loans by domestic companies, according to the Czech National Bank.

A Russian missile strike damaged the Czech Center in Kyiv, according to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský on X today. Fortunately, no one was inside, but nearby residential buildings were affected. Lipavský condemned the attack, calling it Russia's version of a Christmas truce. He added that when Ukraine wins, Russia will be held accountable for the destruction. The attack left at least one dead and nine injured, with Russia claiming it was a retaliation for a Ukrainian missile strike.

Czech MPs approved a government amendment to the Criminal Code during an extraordinary session, aiming to ease prison overcrowding and modernize the punishment system. The changes include greater preference for fines, relaxed cannabis regulations, and mitigation of criminal liability for non-payment of alimony. The draft will now be reviewed by the Constitutional and Legal Committee.

Meteorologists forecast colder temperatures and snowfall for Christmas Day in the Czech Republic, beginning with snow showers on Monday. Snow cover is expected to form in mid-level locations above 500-600 meters, while lower elevations may see temporary snow due to warmer conditions. Snow showers could persist into Christmas, especially in higher areas.

Parcel carriers in the Czech Republic reported record numbers of shipments earlier this week, with nearly three million parcels processed on Monday, Dec. 16. Companies like Zásilkovna, DPD, and GLS set new records, seeing significant growth compared to last year. DPD introduced a new service to avoid backlogs for parcels not delivered on Dec. 23. Czech Post also reported a record number of parcels at its branches.

Prague authorities dismantled an illegal front garden near Old Town Square on Thursday, marking the latest in a series of crackdowns on unauthorized outdoor dining spaces in the city center. Nearly one in three restaurant gardens in the area violate city rules, lacking valid leases or proper street occupation permits. This follows previous removals in September targeting businesses without permits, as the city steps up enforcement efforts against visual smog and illegal structures.

A handwritten note by Franz Kafka from 1897, addressed to his school friend Hugo Bergmann, sold for USD 44,000 at an online auction on Wednesday. The two-line message, written in an album and inscribed with Kafka’s signature, was part of Bergmann’s collection brought to Palestine in 1920. The sale, conducted by Bonhams, underscores Kafka’s lasting impact on 20th-century literature, with the note fetching USD 56,320 including auction fees.