Czech news in brief for December 4: Wednesday's top headlines

Czech students' STEM skills show mixed results in the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study study. Fourth-graders declined in science but maintained math levels from 2019, while eighth-graders improved in math but fell in science. Boys outperformed girls, with wider gaps in higher grades. East Asian countries led globally. Czech results remain above average among EU and global participants, though Covid-19 disruptions likely impacted younger students more significantly.

Police in the Czech Republic have discovered the remains of another newborn baby in the home of a 29-year-old woman accused of murdering a child in Dobruska (Hradec Králové). The baby's body was found hidden in a plastic bag in an outbuilding. A forensic autopsy will determine the cause of death. The woman, charged with murder, allegedly gave birth in secret and killed the child. She faces up to life imprisonment if convicted.

Since 2008, over 183,000 Czechs resolved bankruptcy through debt relief, paying 56 percent of debts on average before a 2019 reform reduced this to 18 percent, new data shows. An October 2024 amendment now shortens repayment periods from five to three years and removes fixed repayment thresholds. Courts approved 312,000 debt relief cases overall, with most ongoing. The reform aims to provide faster, more accessible financial recovery for debtors.

According to new data from the Czech Statistical Office, the average gross salary in the Czech Republic rose 7 percent year on year to CZK 45,412 in the third quarter of this year, a real-term increase of 4.6 percent after accounting for 2.3 percent inflation. Median wages grew 6.6 percent, to CZK 40,482. Despite gains, wages remain at 2018 purchasing power levels due to past inflation. This marks the first year of real wage growth after two years of declines.

The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Semjon Byčkov, kicked off their three-concert series at Carnegie Hall in New York during the Czech Week. The concert featured a performance of Antonin Dvorak's Concerto in B minor for cello and orchestra, with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.The symphonic poems are: Vyšehrad, Vltava, and Šárka by famed Czech composer Bedřich Smetana were also part of the program. "Americans are a fantastic extroverted audience: what you give them emotionally, they give back in applause," said an orchestra member.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said in Brussels today that over 500 suspicious incidents have been reported across Europe this year, with up to 100 linked to Russian hybrid attacks, espionage, and influence operations. The comments came ahead of a NATO meeting focused on these threats. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that such actions would not deter support for Ukraine or the alliance’s defense efforts.

Czechia’s Chamber of Deputies approved the 2024 state budget on Monday, projecting a CZK 241 billion deficit, 41 billion less than this year’s revised budget. Revenues are set to increase by CZK 146 billion, while expenditures will rise by 105 billion. Opposition parties criticized the plan, but the ruling coalition passed it with support from unaffiliated MP Ivo Vondrák. Now awaiting presidential approval, the budget prioritizes public finance consolidation and investment.

The Czech Foreign Ministry urged Czechs in South Korea to avoid mass gatherings and monitor official media after South Korea declared martial law on Monday. President Yoon Suk Yeol accused the opposition of anti-state activities and banned parliament under the emergency measure. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský expressed confidence in South Korea’s democracy but noted limited information from diplomats in Seoul. Czech citizens registered in the Drozd system have been notified.

At a conference on children’s online safety, experts highlighted the dangers of social media algorithms in fueling misinformation, polarization, and manipulation. TikTok’s influence, with its advanced content-sorting algorithms, was a key focus, raising concerns over psychological harm to youth and potential use in hybrid warfare. Experts, including Daniel Dočekal and Karel Strachota, called for stricter regulation, media education, and parental awareness. Czech and global institutions have already issued warnings and bans on TikTok.

Construction on the southeastern section of Prague’s ring road, connecting Běchovice to the D1 highway, starts Dec. 16, costing CZK 9.76 billion. Expected to open in 2027, the 12.6-kilometer stretch will include tunnels and level crossings, easing congestion by diverting truck traffic. This project, part of an 83-kilometer circuit, marks the first expansion since 2010. The Directorate of Roads and Highways confirmed no appeals block the long-awaited build.

Sting will perform for the first time at Colours of Ostrava 2024, held July 16–19 in Dolní Vítkovice. Joining him are Shaggy, Snow Patrol, and Iggy Pop. Organizers hint at a collaboration between Sting and Shaggy, celebrating their 2018 album 44/876. One-day tickets cost 2,990 CZK, with discounted youth passes available. The festival will also feature Justice, Sofi Tukker, and The Chainsmokers on its star-studded lineup.