Czech news in brief for July 30: Tuesday's top headlines

The aurora borealis may be visible again in the Czech Republic due to a series of solar eruptions releasing plasma clouds toward Earth, according to astronomer Petr Horálek from the Institute of Physics in Opava. The phenomenon, last observed in May, could persist over the next few days. Increased geomagnetic activity and favorable viewing conditions due to the receding moon enhance the chances of seeing the aurora.

Betting offices have accepted bets totaling around 273 million CZK on the Paris Summer Olympics, about one-third of the amount wagered on the Tokyo Games. Most bets are on tennis and men’s football. Offices predict Czechs will win up to ten medals, including three golds. Best gold prospects include Jiří Prskavec (water slalom), Martin Fuksa (canoeing), and tennis duo Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková.

Prague - In the second quarter, the Czech economy grew by 0.4 percent year-on-year and 0.3 percent quarter-on-quarter, according to the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). Analysts noted that recovery is gradual and hindered by weak industrial development. Household and government consumption supported growth, while stock level changes had a negative impact. The EU economy grew by 0.7 percent year-on-year. Analysts predict Czech GDP could grow by around 1 percent this year, but industrial sector issues pose risks.

Czech President Petr Pavel has granted his first pardons since taking office in March 2023. The pardons were given to two mothers of underage children, a foreigner, and a Czech man imprisoned abroad for drug smuggling. Pavel’s office cited humanitarian reasons, family care needs, and the harshness of sentences in his decisions. The Presidential Office has received over 700 applications this year.

The Victoria Palace on Vítězné náměstí was ceremonially opened, featuring 92 luxury apartments and commercial spaces. It is the first new building on the square in 87 years, costing around 850 million crowns. The project is designed by Jakub Cigler’s studio and integrates modern architecture with Antonín Engel’s original neoclassical plans. The Kaprain group and Penta Real Estate developed the project, which includes a visually striking entrance lobby.

Czech water slalomer Lukáš Rohan finished sixth in the canoe race at the Paris Olympics, failing to defend his Tokyo silver medal but securing the best Czech result at this year’s games. France’s Nicolas Gestin claimed gold, beating Britain’s Adam Burgess by 5.48 seconds. Slovakian Matej Beňuš took bronze. Rohan, 29, incurred a two-second penalty early in his final run, impacting his final standing.

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Czech Charge d’Affaires Jan Ondrejka to protest an alleged attempt by a Czech embassy staff member to smuggle powerful substances. Russia demands the employee be stripped of diplomatic immunity to face charges or leave the country. The Czech Foreign Ministry confirmed the meeting but declined further comment. Russia insists on accountability for the Czech diplomat's violation of its laws.

Burčák, a partially fermented grape must, will be available earlier this year, with winemaker Miloslav Machuča starting sales on Aug. 1. The accelerated vegetation season led to an early harvest, with Machuča evaluating this year’s yield as better than previous years. Despite earlier mold issues, recent warm and sunny weather ripened the grapes well. Chateau Valtice will also start selling burčák this Friday, with prices starting at CZK 90 per liter before dropping to CZK 80.

This year’s Summer Film School in Uherské Hradiště features a section dedicated to American director David Lynch, showcasing eight feature films. Although Lynch will not attend, American film expert David Bushman will introduce the films. Today, a packed hall watched Lynch’s 1986 film Blue Velvet. The festival highlights iconic living directors and previously showcased Lars von Trier, Michael Haneke, and Pedro Almodóvar.

Parliamentary Committee for Public and Regional Administration members are calling for crisis management after issues with a new online construction management system. Critics, including Robert Králíček (ANO) and Marie Pošarová (SPD), argue that the system, launched on July 1, has serious flaws affecting construction approvals and training. While Jiří Havránek (ODS) acknowledges improvements from a recent update, Deputy Minister Lukáš Černohorský (Pirates) admits ongoing communication issues but defends the gradual system enhancements. Ivan Bartoš (Pirates) remains steadfast, rejecting calls for his resignation.