Czech news in brief for January 28: Tuesday's top headlines

New party aims to revive right-wing in Czechia, candlelight procession honors Terezín victims, and Prague Airport's new runway plans gain traction.

Expats.cz Staff ČTK

Written by Expats.cz StaffČTK Published on 28.01.2025 08:30:00 (updated on 28.01.2025) Reading time: 3 minutes

EU Czechia promotes EU market integration

Czechia unveiled a plan in Brussels Tuesday to integrate Ukraine and Moldova into the EU internal market, focusing on energy, telecom, environment, and agriculture. Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic Martin Dvořák said the initiative, backed by nine EU countries, aims to accelerate market access for both aspiring nations and EU members. The proposal includes technical aid, working groups, and closer cooperation to align with EU standards, benefiting both sides economically.

ukraine Interior minister discusses Ukraine 'return hubs'

Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan met with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov this afternoon to discuss creating "unity hubs" to aid Ukrainian refugees' return home. The hubs, offering legal aid and support, aim to encourage participation in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. Similar centers are planned in Germany and Poland. Rakušan reaffirmed Czech support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of citizen return for rebuilding after nearly three years of Russian aggression.

finance Insurance fraud crossed CZK 1bn in 2024

Insurance fraud in the Czech Republic exceeded CZK 1 billion in 2024, matching 2023 levels, according to a survey of major insurers. Fraud was most prevalent in Prague, with Generali Česká pojišťovna reporting CZK 681 million in attempted fraud. Businesses accounted for 72 percent of cases, often involving large sums. The largest fraud attempt reached CZK 150 million. The Pardubice and Vysočina regions had the lowest levels of fraud per capita, whereas Prague had the highest.

russia Town revokes Russian priest's honorary citizenship

The Czech town of Karlovy Vary has evoked the honorary citizenship of former Russian Orthodox priest Nikolai Lishchenyuk, citing his expulsion from Czechia last year over alleged hostile activities. Authorities suspected Lishchenyuk of supporting separatist movements in EU countries. The town, which has a historically sizable Russian minority, granted honorary citizenship to Lishchenyuk five years ago. Only assembly members belonging to the right-wing Freedom and Direct Democracy party opposed the move.

ISRAEL Civic groups call for end to Czech-Israel pact

Several Czech civic initiatives have joined a broader European campaign calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing alleged systemic violations of international law and human rights by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. They refer to past verdicts of international courts, the opinions of the UN General Assembly. The activists noted that Spain and Ireland have already called for the suspension of the agreement.

Politics New party aims to revive right-wing in Czechia

The newly launched GEN party, led by Prague politician Vojtěch Ryvola, aims to restore right-wing values in Czech politics ahead of the autumn elections. Its priorities include reducing state costs, housing affordability, and boosting education and security. Charles University political analyst  Filip Žiljak noted GEN’s limited regional infrastructure and lack of prominent figures, making its parliamentary prospects slim. Historian  Tomáš Řepa may emerge as a key figure post-election.

Anniversary Candlelight procession honors Terezín victims

A candlelight procession in Terezín marked Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27, with participants marching silently to the Jewish cemetery to honor victims. Speakers, including Israeli Ambassador Anna Azari, warned against rising anti-Semitism and called for action to preserve Holocaust memory. Survivors and officials emphasized unity and vigilance to prevent future atrocities. The event concluded with a poignant performance by the Disman Radio Children’s Ensemble.

International PM Fico accuses Czech politicians of meddling

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused Czech politicians of meddling in Slovakia’s internal affairs, claiming attacks against him aim to discredit former Czech PM Andrej Babiš. Fico criticized the Czech media’s portrayal of him and Babiš as similar. Strained relations between the nations stem from policy differences, including Fico’s halting of military aid to Ukraine, a stance at odds with Czech leadership under PM Petr Fiala.

Developments Plans for Prague airport runway gain traction

Plans for a new runway at Václav Havel Airport, which were long delayed due to local opposition over noise and location concerns, are gaining traction after courts ruled against opponents last year. The project aims to boost passenger capacity and maintain Prague’s competitiveness with neighboring airports. While the runway is seen as a strategic state priority, residents of nearby municipalities continue to challenge its development.

Update Driver collapse blamed for tank tragedy

The driver of a World War II-era armored vehicle “completely collapsed” after it overturned during a historical battle reenactment in southern Bohemia, killing two people, organizers said. The Jan. 18 accident occurred when the vehicle skidded on icy terrain and flipped into a stream. Eleven people were aboard; two men died, and eight others suffered minor injuries. Police are investigating the driver, 58, for manslaughter. Organizers called the incident a “huge disaster.”

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