Czech news in brief for December 3: Tuesday's top headlines

A recent Ipsos survey shows that Czechs are favoring chicken and turkey steaks over traditional carp for Christmas dinner. Nearly three-quarters of respondents plan to fry steaks, while less than half will serve carp. Nine out of 10 will eat potato salad, and many are opting for lighter or ready-made dishes. Fishes like salmon and trout, along with wine sausage, are also popular choices. This year, 3 percent of respondents will try Christmas recipes from abroad and 6 percent of people will prepare non-traditional dishes. 

The Czech Ministry of Defense has today signed a contract with Germany to buy 14 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks for CZK 4 billion. Delivery is expected by late 2026. This deal follows a previous gift from Germany, which included 28 Leopard 2A4 tanks and two recovery vehicles. The purchase includes additional systems, equipment, and ammunition to support the Czech army’s expanding capabilities. The new tanks are replacing Soviet-made machines, which the ministry says no longer meet modern battlefield conditions.

Gambling spending in the Czech Republic reached nearly CZK 60 billion last year, a 10 percent increase from 2022. Alongside this rise, the number of addicts, including young people, athletes, women, and the elderly, has surged. Over 208,000 people are now excluded from gambling, with 11,000 requesting exclusion between July and October. The government has also blocked over 460 illegal gambling sites this year to curb addiction and protect vulnerable groups.

A train in the town of Hostivice in the Prague-West district entered an occupied track this morning, prompting the evacuation of 200 passengers. The incident, which occurred after 8:30 a.m., was immediately halted, and no collisions or injuries occurred. The Railway Inspectorate is investigating the cause and driver. Traffic was temporarily disrupted, with a replacement bus service introduced between Jeneč-Hostivice and Rudná-Hostivice. 

The proportion of young people planning to have children in Czechia has dropped sharply, according to a study by Masaryk and Charles universities. Researchers found that only 30 percent of 18-39-year-olds intended to have a child within three years in 2022, down from 42 percent in 2020. Economic hardship was a key factor, with lower-income and less-educated respondents reporting the steepest declines. Fertility rates fell from 1.83 to 1.45 children per woman between 2021 and 2023.

Czech MPs will approve a 2024 state budget with a CZK 241 billion deficit, down CZK 41 billion from 2023. Revenue is expected to rise by CZK 146 billion, while spending increases by CZK 105 billion. The budget prioritizes investments, flood recovery, and social stability. Opposition calls it unrealistic, citing revenue concerns. Despite criticism, the coalition's majority ensures passage, with President Petr Pavel expected to sign the law.

The Czech Republic voiced strong support for Georgia's EU aspirations, condemning violence against peaceful protesters in Tbilisi. Thousands rallied against the Georgian Dream party’s suspension of EU accession talks. The Czech Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and European integration. It reaffirmed its commitment to Georgia’s EU and NATO membership aspirations, urging reforms to protect citizens' rights and freedoms.

Meanwhile, the Georgian ambassador to Czechia, Tea Maisuradzehas, has resigned, stating that she believes in her country's future in the European Union.

Former Czech PM Andrej Babiš dissolved his trust fund holding Agrofert shares, citing no legal conflicts with his role as an MP. Babiš, leader of the ANO opposition party, won't return to Agrofert management. He plans to run in the 2025 parliamentary elections in Moravia-Silesia. Analysts see the move as symbolic, calling for stricter laws to separate political and business interests. ANO eyes strong opposition in Prague and beyond.

Škoda Auto aims to exceed 80,000 electric vehicle sales in 2024, bolstered by the new Elroq model, set to surpass Enyaq sales. The company has logged 50,000 new EV orders, including 20,000 for the Elroq, debuting in early 2024. Škoda plans further EV launches, including a city car in 2026, to meet stricter emissions rules and expand its electric lineup, a representative said during the Elroq's unveiling in Spain.

The 2024 Český Slavík music awards broke new ground this year, garnering international interest due to the participation of U.S. singer-songwriter LP (the stage name of performer Laura Pergolizzi). LP was on hand to present Czech singer-songwriter Marek Ztracený, who dominated the popularity poll for the fourth time, with the Czech Nightingale at last weekend’s award ceremony in Prague at Forum Karlín.