Czech news in brief for December 28: Saturday's top headlines

Parts of the country’s mountains reached record-breaking temperatures on Dec. 28, with highs of 13.4 degrees Celsius recorded at Klínovec (between Ústí nad Labem and Karlovy Vary), surpassing previous records. Six meteorological stations set new temperature highs today. While freezing fog lingered in northern Bohemia, the mountains saw significant warmth due to temperature inversion. Dry air has prevented major snowmelt, benefiting skiers. The Lysá hora station also recorded a historic high temperature of 12 degrees Celsius for this day of the year.

A recent Ipsos polling survey found that over 80 percent of Czechs under 26 believe the overwhelming amount of information makes it difficult to navigate current events. The survey revealed that 69 percent of all respondents (of all ages) felt similarly. The issue of information overload, particularly among younger generations, is leading many to retreat into social bubbles, filtering out conflicting views, according to Ipsos analyst Michal Kormaňák. This can lead to echo chambers.

The Jsme fér initiative today released a statement urging Czech lawmakers to legalize marriage for all, stating that upcoming same-sex partnership rules, effective January, fall short of true equality. While the changes grant some spousal rights, they exclude adoption and full marriage recognition. Advocates argue equal marriage upholds values like love and support, while opponents claim it threatens traditional families. “The division of society into different categories based solely on who we love is unjust and undignified,” the organization said.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued an ice warning for tonight and Sunday morning, with freezing fog and clear skies expected to create hazardous conditions on untreated roads. Temperatures may drop to freezing, causing icy surfaces, particularly in shaded areas. The low-level warning, in effect from 6 p.m. today to 10 a.m. Sunday, advises drivers to exercise caution, especially when braking or turning, as roads may remain slippery even during the day in some locations. Risk is highest in the far east of Czechia.

Since its introduction in 2006, around 5,165 same-sex couples in Czechia have entered registered partnerships, with Prague being the most common location, according to the Interior Ministry. From January 2025, these partnerships will no longer be labeled "registered" and will offer most spousal rights, though adoption restrictions remain. The highest number of new partnerships occurred in 2022, with 405. Over 1,300 partnerships have ended, including a record 124 breakups in 2022 and 2023.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed peace proposals and escalated attacks on Ukraine, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said Thursday. This follows Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s recent talks with Putin in Moscow, sparking criticism from Ukraine. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár confirmed Slovakia's readiness to host peace talks. Czech officials cautioned against Moscow's influence, emphasizing Russia's role as the aggressor in the three-year conflict.

Most Czechs expect 2025 to be similar or slightly better than this year, according to a survey by the Psychological Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The poll found 36 percent of people “cautiously optimistic,” one-third expecting no change, and 30 percent pessimistic. Respondents said aid, sports, and traditions unite them. Sixty percent of people identified politics and politicians as the main divisive factor. Ukraine and the country's war was seen as a problematic factor by 7.3 percent in the survey.

Over 2 million viewers (around one in four adults) watched Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's Christmas speech on Dec. 26, with a 57 percent audience share across major networks.This was the fourth-highest amount in history. Fiala warned against fearmongers spreading negativity and emphasized the importance of unity and responsibility. While coalition members praised the address, opposition leaders criticized it as overly political and lacking self-reflection. 

High dust and smog levels have triggered warnings in Ostrava, Karviná, and Frýdek-Místek (all to the east of the country), the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has announced. Airborne dust concentrations exceeded limits by up to four times, reaching 200 micrograms per cubic meter. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups. Companies must implement measures to curb pollution, including production cuts. The smog alert follows a smog situation declaration earlier this week.

Retailers expect higher post-Christmas sales this year, with discounts averaging 45 percent, according to e-commerce platform Shoptet. Major chains like Tesco, which launched sales Dec. 26 with discounts up to 75 percent, report strong demand for seasonal items like decorations. Online retailer Astratex began sales December 25, seeing a 4 percent year-on-year sales increase in the Czech Republic. Electronics retailer Datart noted high interest in appliances and gadgets, fueled by Christmas gift spending.