Czech news in brief for January 12: Sunday's top headlines

According to the latest STEM survey conducted for CNN Prima News, the opposition ANO party would win the upcoming Czech parliamentary election with 33.9 percent of the vote. The governing SPOLU coalition, comprising ODS, KDU-ČSL, and TOP 09, trails at 18.4 percent. STAN, SPD, and the Pirate Party, alongside newcomers Stačilo! and Motoristé Sobě, also polled above the 5 percent threshold. ANO remains strong among older voters and those without higher education.

Czech PM Petr Fiala has outlined his government's goals ahead of this fall's parliamentary election. Speaking on CNN Prima News, Fiala emphasized finalizing a criminal code reform focused on alternative sentencing and an energy law to speed up gas plant construction. Fiala acknowledged challenges from opposition obstruction in parliament but remains optimistic about economic recovery in 2025 and regaining public trust.

The Czech Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team is assisting in identifying the six victims of the deadly fire at the U Kojota restaurant in Most. This marks the third operational deployment of the team, which was first activated in 2020 following a deadly apartment fire in Bohumín, and again during the 2021 shooting at the University of Prague. The team is tasked with gathering detailed information to identify the victims using methods such as dental records and DNA analysis.

Jiří Lehečka and Tomáš Macháč have successfully advanced to the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Lehečka, seeded 24th, defeated Australia's Li Tu 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, while Macháč won against India's Sumit Nagal 6-3, 6-1, 7-5. Lehečka’s victory came after 2 hours and 22 minutes, during which he hit 45 winners and 13 aces. Women stars Linda Nosková and Marie Bouzková were eliminated in their opening matches Sunday morning.

The avalanche warning in Czechia's Krkonoše Mountains has risen to level 3, considered significant, due to recent heavy snowfall. This is the first time this season the warning has reached this level. The snow depth in the ridges is up to 150 cm, with more snow on windward slopes. The elevated risk is expected to remain high through Monday. Additionally, high winds have halted the Sněžka cable car service.

A deadly fire broke out at the U Kojota restaurant in Most late on Saturday night, resulting in six fatalities and eight injuries, six of them severe. Firefighters are still securing the building's structure. The fire, which reportedly started from a gas heater, rapidly spread throughout the restaurant. Police suspect a propane tank explosion may have caused the blaze.

Year-on-year inflation in Czechia rose to over 3 percent in December, up from 2.8 percent in November, analysts estimate. The increase was influenced by a lower base from December 2023 when food prices fell due to a VAT reduction. Analysts predict average inflation for 2024 to be around 2.4 percent. The higher demand during the holidays and a statistical base effect from 2023 are expected to push inflation above 3 percent. Official data will be released on Monday.

Czech conductor and educator Mario Klemens passed away in Prague at the age of 88, his son Adam confirmed. Best known for his work as the longtime conductor of the Film Symphony Orchestra (FISYO), Klemens contributed to over 150 film scores. A native of Chlumec nad Cidlinou, he led FISYO from 1979 until its disbandment in the 1990s. Klemens also taught conducting at the Prague Conservatory, inspiring generations of musicians.

Marie Bouzková fell in the first round of the Australian Open, losing 3-6, 3-6 to Russia’s Mirra Andreeva. The 26-year-old Czech player, ranked 42nd in the world, struggled against the 17-year-old, who hit 27 winners in the match. This marks Bouzková’s fifth first-round exit in six appearances in Melbourne. She remains in the tournament’s doubles competition with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

Addicts in Czechia face wait times of weeks or even over six months for inpatient care, former addiction clinic head Petr Popov tells Czech News Agency. The country had nearly 13,000 hospitalized addicts in 2023 but only 555 psychiatric hospital beds. Private facilities, often unaffordable for many, have grown to fill gaps. The newly built Libella sanatorium near Kolín offers premium care but charges from CZK 8,000 per night.

A 16-year-old boy from Aš, missing since New Year’s Eve, has been found dead, police spokesperson Kateřina Pešková confirmed. No further details were provided, and a court-ordered autopsy will determine the cause of death. The boy had disappeared on Dec. 31 after leaving home with a friend. Police initiated a search amid concerns he might harm himself, based on messages discovered by his older brother.