Czech news in brief for January 23: Tuesday's top headlines

Amid continuing government debate about allowing postal voting from abroad in Czechia, the Chamber of Deputies has implemented a new rule limiting speeches in the current discussion to 10 minutes per member of parliament, with brief reactions to speakers now counted as part of the limit. 

Civic Democrats chairman (of the current coalition) Marek Benda made the decision, despite strong opposition protests. Coalition leaders anticipate lengthy discussions on the issue throughout this evening and Wednesday, with the possibility of overnight sessions on Thursday. The current coalition is in favor of introducing postal voting, whereas the opposition ANO movement and Freedom and Direct Democracy parties are strongly against the idea.

Government Commissioner for Human Rights Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková this afternoon criticized Czechia's inadequate victim support system for domestic violence and rape, and a lack of prevention services. She advocates for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention against domestic violence and violence against women, emphasizing its potential to bring about systemic improvements. Opponents argue it is unnecessary and promotes gender ideology. 

The Senate is set to later this year decide on ratification, with Laurenčíková expressing confidence in its support. She emphasizes the convention's role in ensuring long-term political commitment, addressing the shortage of victim beds, programs for perpetrators, and systematic violence prevention. Czech police received around 900 reports of rape last year.

According to a statement made today by Czech National Coordinator for Anti-Drug Policy Jindřich Vobořil, there are currently psychoactive sweets and confectionery on the Czech market without any legal standards, allowing for uncontrolled sale to anyone – including minors. These products, Vobořil says,  contain a new semi-synthetic cannabinoid called HHC, which has similar effects to THC found in cannabis. 

Vobořil warns of the dangers of consuming these products, as they can lead to unexpected and strong intoxication due to their slow absorption and prolonged effects. This risk is heightened when combined with alcohol, medication, or other psychoactive substances, especially for children. He recommended withdrawing these products from the market before the New Psychomodulating Substances Act is passed.

A Czech citizen has died on Yemen's Socotra Island, according to Czech Foreign Ministry spokesman Daniel Drake, without revealing further details about the death. The incident coincides with recent U.S. and UK interventions against rebels of the Islamist Houthi movement in Yemen. 

Kateřina Chaloupková of the Association of Czech Travel Agencies has said that two Czech travel agencies planning tours to Socotra this year – it is not yet known whether they will be canceled. In early January, the ministry issued a warning about travel to Yemen, including Socotra. In it, the ministry described the Yemeni territory as "significantly risky" and urged Czech citizens to leave the area.

A DDoS attack targeted the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs website this morning, causing it to go offline. The attack affected both the office's website and the Jenda Client Zone, where citizens can access online services such as housing allowance, child allowance, and parental allowance. Normal functionality has now been restored.

In a statement released on social media site X, the ministry emphasized that no personal data had been compromised in the attack. The ministry has not yet named a culprit. A DDoS attack involves overwhelming a website with multiple access attempts, disrupting its functionality.

At today’s Efficient Energy conference in Czechia, Prime Minister Petr Fiala has expressed concern over the country's dependence on Russian raw materials, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated that the reduction of gas supplies from Russia is happening quickly, with supplies to be depleted soon. 

To address this issue, the government has taken steps to secure alternative sources of gas, as well as the acquisition of the gas transmission system operator Net4Gas and gas storage tanks. According to Fiala, the Czech Republic can be the center of new nuclear technologies in the future and the state should participate in their development and profit from them.

The Czech Interior Ministry has today announced a new bill that will digitize the residence permit process in Czechia, making it easier and faster for foreigners to report their long-term stay in Czechia. The draft has been approved for government submission and aims to modernize the outdated and confusing current laws. 

The main change is the implementation of an electronic system for communication and form-filling, providing automatic updates on the status of proceedings. This will create a more efficient and user-friendly process for both foreigners and government offices. The law is due to come into force at the beginning of 2026. Registration of EU citizens will remain voluntary in 2026, but will be mandatory from 2027.

Prague's Transport Company (DPP) plans an CZK 86 billion tender for metro line C's traffic automation and trains for line D. City councilors approved the move, with representatives yet to vote. The order includes 52 sets for line C, 16 for line D, and station modifications, totaling CZK 35.9 billion.

Operating costs make up the remaining contract value for a 35-year maintenance period. Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib emphasized the need for a swift competition announcement. Automation aims to reduce line C intervals to 90 seconds. Line D, under construction, is set for automatic operation from the start, with deliveries post-2029.

Prague police responded to an incident at Charles University's Faculty of Mathematics and Physics in the Prague 8 District after faculty staff reported a student with a large black bag. The building was evacuated, and traffic was limited as police conducted a pyrotechnical check to assess potential risks.

The intervention was prompted by concerns following a tragic December shooting at the Faculty of Arts, where a student carrying weapons in a large suitcase caused harm. In this case, authorities discovered only books in the student's bag, alleviating fears. The incident highlights heightened security measures in the aftermath of recent campus violence.

Schrom Farms, a company within the Agrofert holding, returned a state subsidy of 1.6 million to the Czech government after the European Commission refused reimbursement due to former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's conflict of interest. Babiš, who controls Agrofert despite placing shares in trust funds, faced scrutiny from the EU for problematic subsidies.

The State Agricultural Intervention Fund ordered Schrom Farms to return the money, as it was prepaid before the EU decision. The funds were meant for a chicken farm's modernization, with the EU covering half. The company can still pursue legal action. Babiš's conflict also involved other subsidies.

In Melbourne, Czech tennis player Tomáš Macháč and Chinese partner Zhang Ch'chen secured a spot in the Australian Open doubles semifinals by defeating compatriot Adam Pavlasek and Ariel Behar of Uruguay 6:3, 6:1. Macháč and Zhang Ch'chen previously ousted four-time Grand Slam champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury.

The duo will face either Matthew Ebden/Rohan Bopanna or Máximo González/Andrés Molteni in the semis. Meanwhile, American Cori Gauff advanced to the singles semi-finals after overcoming a first-set deficit to defeat Marta Kosťuková 7:6, 6:7, 6:2. Gauff could meet defending champion Aryna Sabalenko or Barbora Krejčíková in the final.

After a period of frost, the Czech Republic anticipates a temperature rise with highs of 3 to 7°C on Tuesday and 8 to 12°C on Wednesday. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warns of freezing precipitation and strong winds up to 90 km/h. Tuesday brings clouds, showers, and possible snow, with temperatures reaching 3 to 7°C. Winds may gust up to 15 m/s in Bohemia.

Wednesday night sees increasing cloudiness and freezing rain, especially in eastern regions. Thursday brings cloudy conditions with occasional rain, highs of 8 to 12°C, and gusty winds. Friday forecasts occasional showers and rain from the west.