Czech news in brief for February 26: Wednesday's top headlines

A district court on Wednesday remanded a minor in custody after he allegedly threatened to carry out a school shooting. Prosecutors charged him with attempted murder of multiple children. Police say a classmate reported the threat, prompting swift action from school staff. Authorities later detained the suspect. If convicted, he faces five to 10 years in prison. A similar case occurred on Jan. 20 in České Budějovice when a 13-year-old student who tried to shoot his teacher ended up in a diagnostic institute.

Czech farmers will protest across the country Thursday (although will omit Prague), using tractors and heavy machinery to oppose food imports from non-EU countries. Demonstrations will take place on roads, in town squares, and at border crossings, where farmers will join counterparts from neighboring states. Organizers say the protests aim to highlight their concerns, not disrupt daily life, though temporary border blockages are expected. Major events are planned in Hodonín and Pilsen.

Czech police are investigating three dozen cases of violations of anti-Russian sanctions, some dating back before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, National Centre against Organized Crime director Jiří Mazánek said today. The cases involve individuals and companies subject to international and national sanctions, which freeze assets and restrict business. Mazanek noted that some cases trace back to 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and initial sanctions were imposed.

Czech real estate prices rose 10.7 percent in 2024, with sales up 34 percent and new construction surging 51 percent, according to the Czech Banking Association and tech startup specializing in real estate Flat Zone. Older home prices climbed 10 percent nationwide and 18 percent in Prague, while new builds saw slower growth. Demand continues to outpace supply in key regions, driving affordability concerns. Experts warn slow new construction and rising mortgage costs could further strain the housing market, especially in Prague and Brno.

The Czech Health Ministry has suspended billions of crowns in subsidies for Prague-Motol University Hospital amid a corruption probe, a spokesman said today. The case involves projects funded by Czech and EU budgets, including a CZK 3.7 billion oncology center. Health Minister Vlastimil Válek stressed that ongoing hospital construction must be completed despite the halted funds. Authorities await updates from police and European prosecutors.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that the country's defense spending can increase by 0.2 percent of GDP annually, with a goal of reaching 3 percent in several years. Fiala emphasized gradual growth to ensure effective use of funds and noted that NATO's upcoming summit in June may set new spending targets. The Czech Republic met NATO's 2 percent GDP defense commitment in 2024, marking a milestone.

The number of accused in the Prague-Motol hospital corruption case has risen from 16 to 17, police said Monday. Investigators allege large-scale corruption, subsidy fraud, and money laundering linked to hospital contracts worth billions of crowns. Some suspects have been released after questioning, while others may face detention. Authorities say the main suspects could face up to 12 years in prison.

A new study warns that Czech schools face a growing teacher shortage, with a demand for 113,000 teachers by 2035, while only 90,000 are projected. The share of unqualified teachers could rise to over 20 percent, up from 10 percent in primary schools and 7 percent in secondary schools. Factors like teacher retirements and funding changes are contributing. Education Minister Mikulas Bek plans to increase the number of student teachers and address regional disparities.

Czech Post will extend economy letter delivery times from three to five days starting in April due to declining mail volumes. Priority mail will still arrive the next business day via couriers. The change aims to improve efficiency, with rotating delivery routes. A pilot program begins in March at 82 locations. The state-owned postal service has been cutting costs to address financial losses.

Food prices in Czechia are expected to rise further due to a 9 percent year-on-year increase in agricultural producer prices in January. Economists warn that higher costs in both crop and livestock production will soon impact consumers, particularly affecting dairy, bakery products, and eggs. The trend continues amid broader inflationary pressures on the market.