Czech news in brief for November 22: Friday's top headlines

The 23rd Mastercard Bank of the Year competition has revealed that Česká spořitelna is the overall winner of the competition, replacing Komerční banka (KB) after three years. Česká spořitelna also won Corporate Bank and Private Bank of the Year. Air Bank ranked second and its CEO Michal Strcula was named Banker of the Year. Kooperativa retained Insurance Company of the Year and Customer Insurance Company titles. Other notable winners include Moneta (Mortgage of the Year) and UniCredit (Developer Bank of the Year).

Czech police reported that during autumn holiday inspections, police identified 324 underage drinkers, 68 more than last year. Between Oct. 25 and Nov. 3, authorities visited 1,255 venues, checking 6,629 people to enforce bans on alcohol and tobacco sales to minors. They detected alcohol in nearly 330 minors, drugs in four, and confiscated drugs from two individuals. The operation uncovered 538 misdemeanors and 13 crimes, mostly linked to substance violations.

The Agency for Social Inclusion revealed that the Czech working middle class is increasingly impoverished despite low unemployment and rising wages. The agency’s Social Exclusion Index, analyzing factors like benefits, foreclosures, and education levels, shows rising reliance on child and housing allowances, particularly in areas around Prague and major cities. The trend stems from falling real wages, making state support systems insufficient, even as unemployment remains the lowest in the EU.

A train derailed early this morning in Česká Třebová, causing damage to the tracks, including a switch that requires replacement. No injuries were reported. Repair work will last until this evening, causing delays and detours, especially for international trains, reports Czech Railways. Regional services are replaced by buses. Affected trains are rerouted, and speed reductions are in place. The incident is under investigation by the Railway Inspection Authority.

Four women, whose complaints of sexual violence against former Czech member of parliament and now prosecuted Dominik Feri were dismissed by Czech courts, filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights in October. Feri, serving a three-year sentence for raping two girls and attempting another, denied guilt. Czech media writes that if the Strasbourg court were to uphold the women's complaint, it would open up the possibility of compensation and even of a new trial.

Opposition leader Andrej Babiš today criticized Prime Minister Petr Fiala in the Chamber of Deputies, questioning his mental state over statements about achieving German-level wages and election ambitions. Government members of parliament (MPs) protested, calling the remarks offensive, and Labor Minister Marian Jurečka and Transport Minister Martin Kupka left in protest, denouncing Babiš' behavior as unprecedented and indecent. Other MPs whistled, booed, and pounded on their desks. 

During his visit to Ukraine today, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský inspected a de-mining project in the town of Myla, near Kyiv, supported by Czech funding. He also visited Kyiv’s Ochmatdyt Children’s Hospital, damaged in a July Russian airstrike. He reaffirmed Czech support for Ukrainian healthcare. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Czech Republic will donate CZK 5 million to a children's hospital in Ukraine by the end of 2024.

Czech Republic has criticized the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala calling the decision “unfortunate” and saying it undermines the court’s authority. The warrants, issued for Israeli PM Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Gallant, and Hamas figure Mohammed Deif, allege war crimes in Gaza. Czech officials expressed concerns about equating democratic leaders with terrorist figures, while some support ICC investigations.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský arrived in Kyiv today for his fourth visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022. Lipavsky plans to meet Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, discussing Czech support, aid coordination, and the ongoing conflict. His visit follows a recent Russian missile strike on Ukraine, condemned by the EU as an escalation. Czechia remains a key supporter, supplying Ukraine with heavy weaponry.

The Czech Republic will receive eight H-1 helicopters from the U.S. Marine Corps between 2027 and 2028 as part of a donation for aiding Ukraine, Defense Minister Jana Cernochova announced. The delivery includes six AH-1Z Viper attack and two UH-1Y Venom transport helicopters, with upgrades costing 8.1 billion crowns. This addition will bring the Czech army’s H-1 fleet to 20 helicopters, replacing aging Russian Mi-24V/35 models.

Overnight snowfall has disrupted traffic across Moravia, Silesia, and mountainous areas in eastern and southern Czechia. Up to 8 cm of snow has accumulated, particularly on higher-elevation roads where compacted or slushy snow creates challenging driving conditions. Authorities advise caution due to reduced visibility and icy patches. In Olomouc, a truck accident caused delays, while snowy and icy roads persist in parts of the Liberec and South Bohemia regions.

The popular Three Wishes for Cinderella exhibition at Moritzburg Castle in Saxony, where parts of the 1973 Czechoslovak-East German film were shot, reopened with additional costumes, including Cinderella’s wedding dress, for visitors to try on. Launched in 2009, the exhibition attracted 134,000 visitors last year. The film remains a holiday staple in Germany, airing at least 15 times this season.