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

The Think Tank Rational Dependency Policy (TTRPZ) has urged balanced regulation of e-cigarettes, advocating bans on candy-flavored options and colorful packaging to deter youth use. They support keeping fruit and tobacco flavors to encourage adult smokers to transition from traditional cigarettes, emphasizing harm reduction. Studies cited reveal sweet flavors attract teens, while plain packaging reduces youth interest without affecting adults. TTRPZ suggests future uniform packaging across all nicotine products for consistency in regulation.

Climatologist Pavel Zahradníček from CzechGlobe, a global change research institute, reported record warmth in 2024, with temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius lasting 25 percent longer than the 1961–2020 average. Lenka Bartošová, a bioclimatologist from CzechGlobe, noted this extended warmth accelerated spring vegetation, early tree blooming, bird nesting, and pest emergence and led to an earlier onset of drought. February was particularly warm, initiating the trend, while subsequent months also recorded above-average temperatures.

According to consulting firm Deloitte, average rents in the Czech Republic rose by 1.6 percent in the third quarter of 2024, reaching CZK 310 per square meter. Olomouc saw the highest increase at 5.7 percent, while Zlín recorded the lowest at under 1 percent. In Prague, rents climbed 3.4 percent, to CZK 422 per square meter, with Prague 2 surpassing Prague 1 as the most expensive district (CZK 477). Significant increases were also reported in Brno, Pilsen, and Ostrava.

At a Czech parliamentary conference on Soviet and Russian subversion, Security Information Service chief Michal Koudelka described the alliance between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as a global threat. He emphasized Russia's world-class intelligence services, their long-term strategic planning, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Koudelka noted North Korea supplies Russia with weapons, Iran provides drones, and China aids with technology while preparing for potential conflict over Taiwan. He warned against underestimating these coordinated efforts.

Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura announced today that the country’s September floods caused approximately CZK 60 billion in damage, primarily in the Olomouc and Moravia-Silesia regions. The destruction impacted buildings, watercourses, and transport infrastructure. Stanjura expects costs to rise as repairs continue. The state budget includes CZK 40 billion for recovery. The affected areas remain in a state of danger, delaying final damage assessments. The floods have six confirmed victims.

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.