Czech news in brief for January 9: Thursday's top headlines

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala criticized incoming American President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, calling it an extreme stance with global consequences. In an interview with Czech media outlet Deník.cz, Fiala urged Europe to reject Trump’s threats against allies, including potential military action to retake Greenland or the Panama Canal. While noting U.S. democracy’s resilience, Fiala warned against aggressive regimes and stressed the need to clarify relations with powers like China and Russia.

Bookmakers predict former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš as the clear favorite to become Czech Republic’s next prime minister. Bookmaker Fortuna odds rate his chances at about 1:1, far ahead of incumbent Petr Fiala (7:1) and Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (10:1). Betting agencies Tipsport and Chance also heavily favor Babiš’ victory. Current Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan are significantly lagging behind him.

Flight traffic over the Czech Republic rose 14 percent in 2024 to 711,216 flights, reaching 78 percent of pre-Covid-19 levels, officials reported Wednesday. The slower recovery compared to Europe stems from the war in Ukraine and Middle today tensions, which shifted routes south. July saw peak traffic with 76,000 flights. Ryanair remained the top airspace user. Summer delays persisted, with Eurocontrol cited as a key factor by Czech airline Smartwings.

Traffic deaths in the Czech Republic fell to a record low of 438 in 2024, 17 fewer than the previous year, police announced Thursday. This marks the lowest toll since record-keeping began in 1961. Serious injuries also dropped to 1,609, while material damages rose to nearly 8 billion crowns. October was the deadliest month with 48 fatalities. Slight injuries saw a minor decline, totaling 23,917.

Czech National Security Adviser Tomáš Pojar said Wednesday that incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements about using military and economic pressure to acquire Greenland and annex Canada should be taken seriously, but not literally. While some Czech politicians view the comments as provocative rhetoric aimed at domestic audiences, others condemn them as undermining the international order. French and German officials also criticized the remarks, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and international law.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský praised outgoing U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet for his efforts in strengthening Czech-American relations during a farewell meeting on Monday. Sabet, who will leave his post on Jan. 20 with the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, called the bilateral partnership stronger than ever. Sabet served less than two years in Prague, earning public appreciation for his informal and engaging communication style.

Slovakia implemented a ban on mobile phones in primary schools and lower grades of multi-year grammar schools starting Jan. 1. Students must hand in, turn off, or store devices to enhance focus and combat cyberbullying. Exceptions apply for special needs students. Education Minister Tomáš Drucker cited OECD data supporting the benefits. Critics argue the law is redundant, as many schools already restrict phones, emphasizing the need for education on responsible use.

According to Hays personnel agency, private sector employers in Czechia plan salary increases of up to 6 percent for qualified workers in 2024. Last year, 87 percent of employers raised wages, with individual hikes averaging 8 percent. This year, 89 percent of companies anticipate increases, primarily between 2.5 and 5 percent. Retaining key employees is a top priority amid limited budgets and labor shortages, with 83 percent of firms planning to hire.

The Ministry of Culture is reviewing citizen requests to deregister Jehovah’s Witnesses, citing concerns about social ties and refusal of medical care, including blood transfusions for children. While no proceedings have begun, the ministry acknowledges the rare nature of such proposals. Deregistration could limit the group’s legal rights, including organizing events and performing marriages. Similar actions have occurred in Norway and Russia, sparking legal battles and international attention.

A significant cold front will bring winter weather to the Czech Republic this weekend, with temperatures dropping near or below zero starting Friday night, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) reports. Snowfall is expected even in lowlands, with frequent snow showers in the mountains. Strong winds, gusting up to 70 km/h, may occur. The coldest days will be Saturday and Sunday, with freezing temperatures and occasional snow showers.