Czech news in brief for December 8: Sunday's top headlines

Prime Minister Petr Fiala told Czech News Agency that betting on Russian support did not work out for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has fled his country as rebels seize Damascus. "We are monitoring the situation in Syria. Let's wish Syria stability and freedom, not chaos or terrorist rule," Fiala said. Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan added that the Czech Republic is not at immediate risk.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic has issued a warning to Czech citizens against traveling to Syria and has urged those currently in the country to leave immediately. The Drozd system, which registers Czech citizens abroad, currently lists four individuals in Syria. The ministry notes that the security situation remains highly unstable and can change rapidly, posing significant risks to life and health.

Year-on-year inflation accelerated to three percent in the Czech Republic in November, according to analysts contacted by Czech News Agency. This rise is partially due to the base effect from last year. Fuel and food prices increased, while clothing and housing costs also went up slightly. The Czech National Bank forecasts inflation to be around 2.9 percent for the year, with a slight uptick to 3.3 percent in December.

Road conditions across the Czech Republic are passable with some caution required, as traffic disruptions from Friday’s heavy snowfall have eased. Some areas, particularly in eastern Bohemia, still report reduced visibility due to fog. In the Krkonoše and Orlické Mountains, ski resorts like Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou have opened for the season. In Moravia, snow remains on roads, particularly in areas of higher elevation, but the situation has significantly improved compared to Friday.

Czech MEP Veronika Vrecionová and Senator Pavel Fischer warn that the fall of Assad's regime in Syria could lead to another civil war and a significant refugee influx into Europe. Fischer noted that without international solidarity, the refugee wave could surpass previous ones. Vrecionová expressed concern over the security risk posed by radical groups and the potential return of Syria as a base for terrorism.

Today is the second Sunday of Advent, also known as Bronze Sunday, with two weeks left until Christmas. Tradition calls for lighting the second candle on Advent wreaths, symbolizing reflection and generosity. Many, however, spend the day shopping, cleaning, or baking festive treats. Seasonal activities include Advent tours at Broumov Monastery or Grabštejn Castle, or traditional baking workshops at Havlíčkův Brod's Vysočina Museum. Advent's origins lie in Christian preparation for the arrival of Christ.

Pilsen is tackling a problem of nutria overpopulation along the Mže River. Signs now warn against feeding the rodents, which damage riverbanks and threaten local wildlife. Officials cite the nutria’s role in spreading diseases and eroding ecosystems. While further measures, including trapping, may follow, experts suggest cold winters could naturally reduce their numbers. Nutria, a non-native species, have proliferated in recent years due to milder winters and human feeding habits.

The upper section of the Sněžka cable car, running from Růžová hora to the summit, was out of service this morning but is now in service, according to its operator. Morning temperatures at the peak reached -4 degree Celsius, with a wind chill of nearly -11 degrees Celsius. The cableway recently resumed service on Dec. 6 after a maintenance closure. Operating twice yearly for upkeep, it now runs daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting.

Prominent Egyptologist Zahi Hawass announced in Prague that two major discoveries related to the Pyramid of Khufu will be unveiled by late 2025. Speaking at the world premiere of the renewed Tutankhamun – His Tomb and Treasures exhibition, he also suggested new research may soon clarify the cause of Tutankhamun’s death, ruling out murder. The exhibition, featuring artefacts, virtual reality elements, and National Museum items, will run in Prague at the PVA Expo exhibition center for six months.

A 21-kilometer stretch of the D55 motorway in Moravia between Babice and Bzenec will open on Dec. 19, according to the Czech Road and Motorway Directorate. Workers are finalizing road markings, guardrails, and noise barriers. Notably, this is the first Czech motorway equipped with bird-deterrent nets to prevent collisions. The section, part of a larger project linking central, southeastern, and southern Moravia, will initially include a four-kilometer stretch near Bzenec operating as a single carriageway.

A UNICEF survey shows that 20 percent of Czech teens aspire to live abroad, driven by job prospects and dissatisfaction with domestic politics and the economy. While 51 percent of 14-17-year-olds still plan to stay in the country, the trend of wanting to leave is rising. Countries like the UK, USA, and Germany attract young talent, raising concerns about a potential brain drain. Experts urge action to address this growing trend and its long-term implications.