Czech news in brief for March 24: Sunday's top headlines

Light snowfall dusted the Krkonoše mountain range early Sunday morning, followed by a drop in temperatures. Strong winds have halted the upper section of the cable car to Sněžka, but the lower section remains operational. Wind speeds surpassed 70 km/h on Sněžka, where temperatures dropped to -7 degrees Celsius. Skiing continues in the area, with about 13 kilometers of slopes open.

Firefighters in the Czech Republic responded to nearly 500 incidents on Saturday due to strong winds, focusing on clearing fallen trees, branches, and addressing damaged roofs. The Moravian-Silesian and South Moravian Regions saw the highest number of interventions. Firefighters, aided by volunteers, managed over 473 technical assistance calls related to wind through 6:00 p.m. Winds disrupted events like the Almond Festival in Hustopeče and caused structural damage in various areas.

Linda Nosková has advanced to the third round at the Miami Open after defeating Maria Timofeeva 6-4, 6-4. The 19-year-old Czech will now again face world number one Iga Świątek in the third round, marking their third encounter this year. Despite her earlier victory against Świątek at the Australian Open, Nosková faced defeat in Indian Wells two weeks ago. Rain delayed Nosková's match with Timofeeva until Saturday, where she clinched victory in just one hour and 22 minutes.

Ivan Korčok has emerged victorious in the first round of Slovakia's presidential elections this weekend. He will face former Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini in the April 6 runoff. Korčok received 42.44 percent of the vote, while Pellegrini received 37.07 percent. Korčok aims to broaden his support base, criticizing the current government's policies. Pellegrini plans to engage with unsuccessful candidates. The third-place finisher, Štefan Harabin with 11.74 percent of the vote, hasn't endorsed either candidate for the runoff.

The average debt of Czech households decreased by CZK 2,100 to CZK 37,100 last year, according to analysis by financial company KRUK. Men hold 56 percent of debts, averaging CZK 40,100. The Moravian-Silesian region leads with 15 percent of the country's debtors, averaging CZK 34,100. Prague tops in average debt at CZK 45,100 per person. Overdue debtors are mostly aged 35-44. Despite the decrease, Czech household debt remains higher than 2018-2021 averages

In an interview with Czech News Agency, Vice-President of the European Commission Věra Jourová emphasized the Czech Republic's evolving perspective on the EU. Over the past two decades, citizens recognized the EU as a forum of clear rules and shared responsibilities, not merely a source of financial support. Jourová highlighted the Czech Republic's improved reputation, citing the successful 2022 EU Council presidency. She urged against downplaying the country's influence, affirming its pivotal role within the EU.

The Czech Republic leads in the EU in electron microscope exports, which generated CZK 20.8 billion in exports in 2023. Electron microscopy, vital for various fields like tech and medicine, allows magnification up to a million-fold. Notably, 45 percent of EU exports come from the Czech Republic, with major destinations being the Netherlands and the USA. Major producers include Brno-based companies Thermo Fischer Scientific and Crytur.

Over the past 25 years, 411,000 Czechs have participated in the Erasmus student exchange program, primarily in universities. Through 2023, 121,540 study stays and 22,628 internships occurred. The program also welcomed 450,000 foreigners to the Czech Republic. Erasmus, operational since 1987 and expanded in 2014, promotes international education. It benefits participants with personal growth and language skills.

Czech racer Roman Staněk secured victory in the Formula 2 Sprint Race in Melbourne on Saturday after French driver Isack Hadjar received a post-race penalty. Staněk's win marks his first victory in the championship, earning him ten crucial points in the standings. Starting from pole position, Staněk showed exceptional skill, fending off rivals and benefiting from strategic safety car periods.