Czech news in brief for March 28: Thursday's top headlines

Large Czech energy conglomerate ČEZ has announced today that it will reduce fixed electricity and gas prices from April, resulting in significant consumer savings. The adjustment, the third this year, affects annual fixation price lists. Electricity will be priced at CZK 3,267 CZK per megawatt-hour (MWh) and gas at CZK 1,367/MWh. Consumers, on average, are expected to save CZK 1,368 annually on electricity. ČEZ emphasizes these reductions reflect the market's declining wholesale energy prices.

The Petřín funicular resumed operation on Thursday after being out of service for two weeks. It runs daily from 08:00 to 23:00 at 15-minute intervals, according to DPP's website. The cable car was closed for maintenance from Monday, March 11, as part of the company's regular checks in the spring and autumn. The city and the Prague Public Transport Company are also planning to replace the current cable cars, which have been in use since the 1930s. They should be ready by 2025.

The Czech counter-intelligence agency, BIS, confirmed that Poland and Czechia are collaborating in an investigation of a pro-Russian network targeting EU member states and institutions. The Polish counter-intelligence service ABW announced today that network members wanted to organize pro-Russian initiatives and media campaigns in the EU to promote the Kremlin's official foreign policy. The ABW also said the pro-Russian network has set up the Voice of Europe website that publishes articles, commentaries, and interviews with a prejudicial, pro-Russian tone.

The Czech driver of the bus that crashed near Leipzig, Germany on Wednesday has been investigated for homicide and bodily harm out of negligence, according to a spokesperson for the Leipzig Prosecutor's Office. The crash resulted in four deaths and injuries to nearly 40 people, with six remaining in serious condition. The driver and his Slovak substitute both survived the accident. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.

A fire broke out at the top of a building near Wenceslas Square (on Jindřišská Street) in Prague around midday, caused by burning cardboard and insulation during construction work. Firefighters and police quickly responded, evacuating workers and closing roads. Over 10 fire trucks attended the scene. The fire was contained, and one person was treated for smoke inhalation – paramedics took him to hospital. Tram lines were diverted, and the street was closed to pedestrians for about an hour. 

Easter is set to bring unseasonably warm weather across the Czech Republic. Meteorologists predict one of warmest holidays in 20 years, despite Easter’s early arrival this year. Temperatures could soar above 20 degrees Celsius, delighting hikers but disappointing skiers as ski resort attendance dwindles. The weekend forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with highs in the low twenties. Warm air from the south dominates until the cold front arrives Monday.

The tourist season kicks off today at state monuments across Czechia, marking the traditional opening, which shifted earlier this year due to Easter. Due to increased maintenance costs and budget cuts, entrance fees will rise at most state sites. New areas and routes will be accessible. Private monuments will also open. The National Heritage Institute will host special Easter programs. Interest surged last year yet fell short of pre-pandemic levels. Private castles and chateaux, like Kost and Loučeň, are offering themed Easter tours.

Prague Stock Exchange hit a 15-year high, with the PX index soaring by 1.55 percent to 1,513.01 points, driven by ČEZ energy company shares—financial titles also saw robust growth. Despite Moody’s rating outlook downgrade, ČEZ shares surge amidst speculation on 2025 tax changes. Komerční banka, Erste, and Moneta securities rose, while Colt armory and Pilulka chain shares dipped. Czech currency weakened slightly against the euro and dollar.

Environment Minister Tomas Taraba announced the killing of the bear responsible for injuring several people in Liptovský Mikuláš, north Slovakia, on March 17. The bear, located using drone technology, was shot dead on Tuesday after returning to the surrounding mountains. Authorities deny directing forces to kill bears matching the aggressor’s description to ease public concern. Bear-human conflicts and population concerns influenced political discourse before Slovakia’s September 2023 elections.

The Ministry of Education has unveiled a four-year plan to enhance children’s physical fitness in Czechia, emphasizing the need for increased physical activity promotion in schools. The plan aims to improve physical education quality, encourage daily movement, and enhance sports facilities. Recommendations from the Czech School Inspectorate inform the strategy, addressing concerns over insufficient physical fitness among youth. The government is also urging schools to prioritize physical literacy initiatives.