Czech news in brief for March 21: Thursday's top headlines

According to the Association of the Automotive Industry, production of passenger cars in the Czech Republic has increased by 22.3 percent from January to February compared to last year, surpassing pre-Covid-19 levels. Škoda Auto produced the most cars, at 161,733, including 7,015 electric cars and 1,590 plug-in hybrids. Hyundai and Toyota – both have factories in Czechia – also saw increases in production, with a significant portion being electric or hybrid vehicles. 

Head of the Czech Literary Center Martin Krafl said this afternoon that the Leipzig Book Fair in Germany, which opened today, shows Czech authors' success in their translated works. The Czech Republic is also using this event to prepare for the 2026 Frankfurt Book Fair, where it will be the guest of honor. The Czech stand this year features the Milan Kundera Library and a collection of Czech literature translations into German. A novelty of this year's event is the Czech Republic presenting its name as "Czechia" rather than the German translation of Tschechien.

The foreign ministers of the Visegrad Group (V4) agreed in Prague this afternoon that Russia's aggression towards Ukraine is a violation of international law, and that Ukraine's territorial integrity must be respected. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated that support for Ukraine, including military aid, should be increased. He also thanked Poland for joining the Czech initiative to provide ammunition for Ukraine. Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced the country will contribute financially and logistically. 

The Czech National Bank (ČNB) reported a profit of CZK 55.1 billion in 2023, thanks to increased financial assets and a weaker crown. This profit will cover part of the accumulated loss from previous years. “The structure of [our] assets and liabilities is not yet such that it allows us to generate profit in the long term, and we need to continue making changes,” said ČNB governor Aleš Michl. The ČNB has been pointing out for a long time that generating profit is not its main task.

The Czech cabinet approved an amendment to raise the minimum wage to 47 percent of the average wage by 2029, up from the current 41.1 percent. The amendment also proposes ending guaranteed wages in the private sector starting next year, focusing on the public sector. Adequate minimum wage is regulated by an EU directive adopted last year, which member states are due to implement by mid-November. 

Czech Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela said plans for up to 45 new nuclear power plants in Europe, costing EUR 100 billion, present a tremendous opportunity for Czechia. The minister made his remarks ahead of attending the nuclear summit organized by the Belgian government and the International Atomic Energy Agency in Brussels. Prime Minister Petr Fiala sees the summit as a symbolic conclusion to Czechia’s acknowledgment of nuclear energy’s cleanliness.

Czech Chamber of Deputies, after a lengthy session, labeled the Russian regime as the primary security threat to Czechia, denouncing it as terrorist. The resolution underscores support for an independent, democratic Ukraine against Russian aggression, with plans for continued aid and defense capability enhancement. Opposition motions were dismissed.

In the Czech Republic, murders increased by six percent to 159 last year, marking a consecutive rise after a decline during the pandemic reports Deník N. Pilsen, Karlovy Vary, and Prague reported the highest murder rates. Police statistics encompass murders at various stages, including attempted ones.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts a weekend weather shift: Saturday’s temperatures should peak at 18 degrees Celcius, followed by a cool-down below 10 degrees Celsius on Sunday with possible showers and snowfall, particularly above 600 meters. Friday anticipates sporadic rain with temperatures resembling Thursday's, hovering between 12-16 degrees Celsius.

Prague’s DSC Gallery hosts a showcase of Czech photographer Antonin Kratochvil’s iconic images featuring international stars like David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and Jean Reno, predominantly from the 1990s. Kratochvil shares anecdotes of his encounters, including Bowie’s preference for ambient light and Dylan’s exclusive selection due to his connection with Keith Richards. Kratochvil also anticipates releasing a book featuring renowned athletes later this year.