Czech news in brief for March 27: Thursday's top headlines

Fifteen percent of Czechs over age 15 had a disability or long-term limitation in 2024, up by 161,000 since 2018, the Czech Statistical Office said Wednesday. The rise is largely due to an aging population. Most affected individuals are over 65, with women making up 56 percent. Nearly 153,000 people lack needed aids, often due to cost. Movement disorders remain the most common type of disability. Some 952,000 people suffer from movement disorders.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said this afternoon that discussions on sending troops to Ukraine are premature, despite the topic being raised. Speaking after a 30-nation summit in Paris, Fiala emphasized the need for clarity on any ceasefire and troop involvement. Leaders agreed to bolster Ukraine's defense with military aid and intelligence sharing. Fiala warned that lifting sanctions would aid Russian aggression amid the ongoing conflict.

A 28-year-old woman from the Ostrava region was arrested in Tenerife for defrauding 110 people and companies out of CZK 16.5 million. The woman, charged with three crimes, was tracked down after fleeing abroad in April 2023. Police had been investigating the case since 2022. She also attempted to defraud an additional CZK 8.5 million through loan applications. Facing up to 12 years in prison, she is now in custody in the Czech Republic.

The Ministry of Justice received 156 reports of unlawful conduct in the workplace from whistleblowers in 2024, nearly double the number from 2023, according to Michal Franek. Of these, one-third were deemed justified, with 59 forwarded to the labor inspectorate. The reports included 20 criminal offenses and 27 misdemeanors, mainly violations of whistleblower protection laws. Officials noted that many whistleblowers faced retaliation, highlighting flaws in the internal reporting system.

Former North Dakota Senator Ray Holmberg, 81, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for traveling to Prague to pay for sex with minors. Holmberg admitted in federal court last year to paying young male masseuses for sex. Despite his defense arguing for a shorter sentence due to his age and health, federal Judge Daniel Hovland ruled Holmberg remains a danger to juveniles, calling his actions "egregious." Holmberg visited Prague at least 14 times from 2011 to 2021.

Czechia condemned Turkey's crackdown on peaceful protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, calling it a threat to democratic principles. Authorities have detained over 1,400 protesters as opposition rallies continue. Czech officials urged citizens to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution. Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, faces corruption charges that critics call politically motivated.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala defended a parliamentary resolution on defense, saying it strengthens security and military modernization. Opposition parties ANO and SPD boycotted the closed-door session, calling it undemocratic. Fiala accused them of politicizing national security. Defense Minister Jana Černochová argued the opposition had opportunities to contribute. Pirates criticized the secrecy, while ANO’s Andrej Babiš dismissed the session as a government election tactic.

Eight out of ten Czechs consider buying a home unaffordable, with 88 percent believing the situation won’t improve soon, according to the Housing Future Index by Komerční banka. High real estate prices and rising construction costs are major barriers. While most Czechs prefer homeownership, many are turning to savings and loans. Mortgage interest rates remain high, with limited expectations of significant declines.

The Metronome Prague Festival kicks off June 19 with Monika Načeva at the Prague Exhibition Grounds. Michal Prokop will debut his new album Ostraka, followed by performances from Jasná Páka and David Koller. Headliners include Alanis Morissette, Rag’n’Bone Man, and Die Antwoord. The festival, running through June 21, will also showcase contemporary art and design, organizer David Gaydečka announced.

A high-pressure system will bring sunny weather to Czechia through Friday, with highs of 12–15°C. Clouds and rain will arrive over the weekend. Next week, colder air from the north will bring lower temperatures and frosty mornings, with occasional rain or mixed precipitation at higher altitudes. Long-term forecasts suggest a chilly, wetter start to April.