Czech news in brief for November 6: Wednesday's top headlines

Czech Union of Security Forces head Aleš Lehký announced that Czech police union representatives will meet with Interior Minister Vít Rakušan on Nov. 14 to address police staffing shortages, overwork, excessive bureaucracy, and low starting salaries. Thousands of officers are protesting by withholding fines in eligible cases and purposefully responding late to calls. The police have a planned follow-up protest on Nov. 21. Rakušan expressed optimism, noting past progress on salary concerns. 

Prague police intervened at Charles University's Faculty of Social Sciences today after mainly foreign students disrupted a lecture by political scientist Adam Fagan on Israeli-Palestinian coexistence. At the end of the lecture, pro-Palestinian protesters displayed flags and chanted, sparking tension with other attendees. Faculty Dean Tomáš Karásek condemned the disruption, while university officials cited safety concerns. One participant faces a misdemeanor charge. 

According to Czech economic analysts, Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election could harm the Czech economy. His proposed tariffs and potential tax cuts may increase inflation and decrease trade with the EU, affecting small, open economies like the Czech Republic. Raiffeisenbank analysts warn that protectionist measures could drive deglobalization, and Cyrrus's chief economist notes that tariffs often lead to retaliatory actions, worsening economic conditions worldwide.

According to an analysis by Central Group, Trigema, and Skanska Residential, new apartment prices in Prague rose sharply, reaching CZK 160,720 per square meter by late September, a 5.4-percent increase since early 2023. Year-over-year, prices climbed nearly 7 percent, with older apartments up 12% and rents rising 7 percent to CZK 436 per square meter. Demand has surged despite high mortgage rates, with Prague 1, 2, and 7 remaining the most expensive areas, surpassing CZK 200,000 per square meter.

Trading firm XTB analyst Tomáš Cverna reported that the Czech crown partly recovered from early morning losses against the U.S. dollar, trading at CZK 23.58 to USD 1 by the later morning, a 1.85-percent drop since preliminary U.S. election results. Cverna noted that the Czech National Bank’s upcoming rate decision could mildly weaken the crown further. Trinity Bank’s Lukáš Kovanda warned that Trump’s proposed tariffs, if implemented, could disrupt trade and slow declines in Czech mortgage rates, affecting the crown.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský expressed skepticism over President-elect Donald Trump's claims about quickly resolving the Ukraine war, cautioning against pressuring Ukraine to cede territory. Lipavský emphasized that Trump will likely push Europe to invest more in its own defense. With American foreign policy shifting focus toward the Indo-Pacific and China, Europe must adjust accordingly and work to avoid a trade conflict with the U.S., he advised, building on Trump's campaign messages.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Czechia is prepared to maintain strong relations with the U.S., regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the presidential election. Europe must take more responsibility for its security, Fiala stated, noting Czechia’s increased defense spending to 2 percent of GDP. Fiala travels to Serbia today to discuss economic cooperation and migration, followed by attending the European Political Community summit in Budapest.

Slovakia’s parliament passed a resolution opposing the European Parliament’s proposal to include abortion rights in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Supported by the ruling coalition and some opposition members, the resolution emphasized health policy as a national competence. Slovakia, where Catholicism is prominent, has consistently rejected tighter abortion restrictions. The decision reflects concerns over EU interference in member state sovereignty.

Nearly half of Czech primary school students face verbal harassment, with 13 percent experiencing bullying, according to a recent Scio survey. The survey, which involved over 29,000 students and 3,400 teachers, found school satisfaction stagnant or slightly declining. Teachers reported high job enthusiasm, with workplace relationships key to job satisfaction, though a quarter experience burnout. Scio provides survey feedback to help schools improve their educational environment and climate.

The Czech National Bank fined Fio Bank CZK 9.5 million for breaching anti-money laundering laws. According to the CNB's decision, Fio failed to properly assess certain client risks and did not provide adequate employee training. Fio Bank acknowledged the fine to Peníze.cz, stating it has implemented corrective measures to address the issues.

American fast-food chain Popeyes plans to open 60 restaurants in the Czech Republic by 2033. Currently, it operates three locations in Prague and Central Bohemia, with additional branches set to open in Brno and Prague in the coming months.

Czech animated film Living Large (Zivot k sezrani), directed by Kristina Dufkova, has been shortlisted for the European Film Awards, the European Film Academy announced. The Czech-Slovak-French co-production follows teen Ben's journey with his band, appetite, and first love. Having won awards at Annecy and other festivals, the film premiered in Czech cinemas on Oct. 17. Winners will be announced Dec. 7 in Lucerne, Switzerland.