Czech news in brief for November 18: Monday's top headlines

Thousands gathered on Národní třída in Prague for the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. At 17:11 CET, attendees observed the traditional Prayer for Marta” performed by actress Anna Fialová. Organizers estimate over 93,000 attended, with exhibitions, performances, and the Concert for Future celebrating democracy. Events emphasized unity and freedom, with Slovak speakers cautioning against the rise of far-right nationalism.

In an interview on TV Nova Sunday, Czech Culture Minister Martin Baxa said the shared goal of the coalition government and the opposition Pirates should be to prevent populists and extremists from gaining power. Pirate leader Jakub Michálek expressed openness to future cooperation but stressed the need for new approaches. Tensions arose after Prime Minister Petr Fiala dismissed Pirate leader Ivan Bartoš in September, leading the Pirates to join the opposition.

Czech President Petr Pavel will decide this week whether to sign the 2025 state budget. He plans to discuss the budget's transparency with the government, following concerns over unclear items worth around CZK 40 billion. The government rejects the criticism, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala defending the budget's responsible approach. The proposed budget includes a CZK 241 billion deficit, set to be discussed by deputies on Wednesday.

Mortgage volumes in the Czech Republic rose by 9 percent in October, reaching 26.4 billion crowns. Year-on-year, this marks a 64 percent increase. Interest rates on new loans slightly decreased to 4.9 percent. Mortgage activity has been fueled by lower rates and pent-up demand, with the number of newly granted mortgages up 10 percent from September. The average mortgage loan in October was CZK 3.79 million.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala awarded the Karel Kramář Medal to 17 distinguished personalities for their contributions to public debate, culture, diplomacy, and human rights on the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy. Honorees included political scientist Irena Kalhousová, conductor Jakub Hrůša, and diplomat Martin Palouš. Fiala praised their efforts in enhancing Czech global reputation, defending civil rights, and exemplifying courage during the communist era.