Czech news in brief for July 11: Thursday's top headlines

A report from the State Health Institute revealed an increase in certain diseases in the Czech Republic in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. These include whooping cough, measles, diphtheria, and monkeypox, with more cases in six months than the entire previous year. Other diseases such as jaundice, dengue fever, and tick-borne illnesses have also seen a rise. Some diseases have returned after many years, with over 22,000 cases of whooping cough in six months, the highest rate in over 60 years.

A recent survey by the Center for Public Opinion Research revealed that over three-quarters of Czechs believe that both parents should participate in childcare and that both partners should contribute to household tasks and financial responsibilities. This marks a gradual decrease in support for traditional gender roles and an increase in favor of shared responsibilities. In 2023, 77 percent of respondents agreed that both parents should care for children, compared to 65 percent in 2020 and 60 percent in 2016. 

President Petr Pavel, head of the Czech delegation at the ongoing NATO summit in the U.S, says that the military alliance is taking steps to ensure the safety of its citizens. According to Pavel, NATO nations have agreed to provide more assistance to Ukraine to defend against Russian aggression. Pavel also expressed gratitude to outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who will be succeeded by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Stoltenberg confirmed NATO's commitment to helping Ukraine become a member and providing EUR 40 billion (around CZK 1 trillion) in military aid next year. 

Czech Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová today emphasized the importance of constantly remembering the atrocities committed by the Hamas terrorist movement in Israel last year, during a meeting with Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Ohana praised the Czech Republic's unwavering support for Israel and its demonstration of true friendship through its actions in international organizations. Senate Speaker Milos Vystrčil reported that Ohana assured him of Israel's efforts to provide humanitarian aid and respect international law in the current conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Thunderstorms hit the Czech Republic on Wednesday, causing significant disruptions on railway lines due to fallen branches and trees. Many trains are not running, and children’s camps have been evacuated. Hail in South Bohemia caused substantial damage. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warned of dangerous gusts, intense rain, and small hail. Central Bohemia was severely affected, especially around the capital, leading to local flooding and interrupted rail traffic on the Prague-Pardubice route.

Czech President Petr Pavel met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday during the NATO summit in Washington. Accompanied by Czech officials, the meeting was brief due to Pavel’s schedule. The presidents previously met in June. A security agreement between the Czech Republic and Ukraine, to be signed on July 18, was likely discussed. Later, Pavel also met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Brno Regional Court’s suspended sentence for a man convicted of raping a minor was unlawfully light, Supreme Court spokeswoman Gabriela Tomickova announced. Justice Minister Pavel Blazek filed the complaint. Although the Supreme Court cannot overturn the decision, its ruling may influence future cases. The stepfather, who filmed and repeatedly assaulted the girl, originally received a three-year suspended sentence.

Czech inflation fell to 2 percent in June, surprising analysts and reaching the Czech National Bank’s target. Consumer prices dropped 0.3 percent month-on-month, with significant decreases in food prices like flour and milk, the Czech Statistical Office reported. Analysts had predicted higher inflation, and the unexpected reduction might influence future interest rate cuts. The koruna weakened in response, trading at 25.38 per euro.

MEPs from Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Czech Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) formed a new group in Brussels, Europe of Sovereign Nations, with 25 MEPs from eight countries. The group, led by AfD's Rene Aust, emerged after AfD's allies distanced themselves due to election leader Maximilian Krah's controversial statements. The faction marks a rightward shift in the European Parliament.