Czech news in brief for November 20: Wednesday's top headlines

Victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church urged the Czech state to halt its agreement with the Vatican, citing justice concerns, particularly over expanded confessional secrecy. In an open letter shared with ČTK, they warned that the treaty risks protecting abuse by allowing any Church-designated person to claim confidentiality. Signed in October by Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the treaty requires parliamentary and presidential approval.

Prague 1 Mayor Terezie Radoměřská said today that she supports naming the Kampa embankment between Liechtenstein Palace and Charles Bridge after former Foreign Affairs Minister Karel Schwarzenberg. A petition to rename the embankment emphasizes his contributions to Czech society as a diplomat, nobleman, and Václav Havel’s close collaborator after 1989. Schwarzenberg, who co-founded the TOP 09 political party and served as its first chairman, died on Dec. 12, 2023.

The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) today announced the suspension of tram service on Libeň Bridge from Monday, Nov. 25, due to the poor condition of the bridge, which could worsen in winter. Buses will replace trams along the Palmovka–Dělnická section. DPP technical director Jan Barchánek stated that trams will resume only after the Technical Communications Administration completes its planned reconstruction. This is expected to take a long period; over half a year.

Christmas tree sales begin this week in the Czech Republic, starting Thursday at Globus hypermarkets, with Mountfield and Kaufland joining later. Prices for domestically grown Caucasian firs have risen to CZK 750 to CZK 1,050 due to higher VAT, labor, energy, and fertilizer costs, explained František Valdman of the Christmas Tree Growers Association. Online retailer Rohlík.cz and Lidl will not sell live trees this year, while Globus offers them at 13 locations via independent sellers.

President Petr Pavel has said he will discuss his concerns about the 2025 draft state budget with Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura after Dec. 7, once MPs vote and he returns from abroad. He has not decided whether to veto or sign the budget, citing concerns about renewable energy spending, municipal funding for non-teaching salaries, and emission allowance revenue estimates. Pavel says he awaits parliamentary changes and expert advice before deciding.

Dozens gathered in Jihlava on Sunday evening for a 1,000-meter silent march, “Light Triumphs Over Darkness,” to mark 1,000 days of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Organized by the Czech-Ukrainian group Voice of Ukraine, the event featured Ukrainian flags, speeches, and a candlelit procession to honor war victims. Similar marches are planned nationwide this week, organizers announced.

A Czech amendment aimed at expediting divorce and child custody arrangements is nearing final approval in the Chamber of Deputies. Proposed changes include allowing simplified, notarial divorces for childless couples, merging divorce and guardianship proceedings, and strengthening the unacceptability of corporal punishment for children. The bill would also streamline alimony and custody processes. Deputies may vote on the measure in two weeks, with possible implementation in January 2026.

The Locika Centre launched a campaign on social media highlighting the harms of physical punishment for children, which can lead to aggression, risky behavior, and long-term psychological issues. Using the cooking spoon as a symbol, the campaign urges politicians to address corporal punishment in upcoming Civil Code amendments. Czechia remains among the few EU countries without laws protecting children from physical and psychological harm in upbringing.

Czech scientists from Charles University, along with international collaborators, have traced 70 percent of meteorites impacting Earth to three asteroid families: Massalia, Koronis, and Karin. Using computer models, they found these meteoroids originate from ancient asteroid collisions. The findings, recently published in Nature, provide the most complete model yet of asteroid dynamics and meteorite origins, advancing understanding of meteorites’ journey to Earth.

A record 256 photographers entered the 30th Czech Press Photo competition, with over 4,500 images submitted. Nominations, released today, highlight major events like Prague's floods, the Charles University shooting, and sports from the Paris Olympics. Winners will be awarded on Jan. 7, 2025, at the National Museum, with an exhibition opening the following day. Freelance and young photographers also showcased entries, with ČTK photographer Roman Vondrouš winning the main prize.