Czech news in brief for October 14: Monday's top headlines

Taiwan’s former President Tsai Ing-wen stated at the Forum 2000 conference in Prague that Taiwan has endured over half a century of Chinese intimidation, which has intensified as democratic nations show increasing support for Taiwan. She noted that authoritarian regimes are becoming more assertive, while Taiwan faces ongoing military threats from China, with the latest exercise seen as a warning against separatism. Taiwan's government, allied with Czechia, views these actions as provocations, but aims to avoid escalation.

A survey by research firm STEM/MARK for investment platform Fondee revealed that two-thirds of Czechs are unaware of long-term investment products (DIPs), despite the state promoting them to ease the pension system. Since January 2024, around 60,000 people have adopted DIPs. Fondee co-founder Jan Hlavsa emphasized the importance of investing for retirement. Although 63 percent of Czechs prepare financially for retirement, many favor conservative savings products over investments like stocks or exchange-traded funds.

The Prague High Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed today the criminal prosecution of 13 individuals over suspected bribery tied to public contracts of Prague’s public transport company (DPP). The National Center against Organized Crime intervened, while DPP is cooperating with the investigation. Prague police detained key figures, including DPP director Petr Witowski and personnel director Jiří Špička. Prague Deputy Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib has asked Witkowski to resign with immediate effect.

Andrej Babiš, leader of the Czech opposition ANO party, today proposed freezing politicians' salaries for five years, citing an existing 2021 bill that remains undiscussed. His proposal follows the Constitutional Court's review of senior officials' pay. Labor Minister Marian Jurečka earlier suggested a 6.9-percent salary increase for politicians, aligned with the private and public sectors. ANO seeks to separate judges' and prosecutors' pay from politicians' salaries, allowing the former to rise independently.

The Forum 2000 conference, themed “Demonstrating the Determination and Resilience of Democracy,” started in Prague on Sunday and will run through Tuesday, featuring speakers such as Taiwan's former President Tsai Ing-wen, Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. At the opening, the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize for 2023 was awarded to imprisoned Venezuelan lawyer Rocio San Miguel. Czech President Petr Pavel and former Polish President Lech Walesa will also appear.

The Czech government’s proposed pension reform faces internal coalition opposition before its final reading in parliament. Members of the KDU-ČSL and STAN object to limiting early retirement for those in demanding professions. The amendment, supported by ODS and TOP 09, reduces eligible categories, sparking concerns over its impact on workers’ welfare. The reform, under debate until the end of October, faces uncertainty with only limited parliamentary support.

A massive fire at a bakery in central Beroun forced the evacuation of 54 people and caused significant damage. Firefighters declared a third-level alarm, battling strong winds and a roof collapse. Over 100 firefighters responded, with five sustaining minor injuries. The flames were brought under control by late evening, and no hazardous substances were detected in the air. Damage is expected in the tens of millions of crowns.

Czech schools have increased security in recent years, adding chip card entrances, turnstiles, and cameras, though experts say attacks can’t be entirely prevented. Jiří Zajíček, chairman of the Union of School Associations, stressed that while schools do their best, 100 percent safety is impossible. Experts emphasized the need to address mental health and teach conflict resolution. Monday marks ten years since a fatal school attack in Žďár nad Sázavou.

The 12th Signal Festival illuminated Prague Castle and drew hundreds of thousands of visitors with 17 physical and five augmented reality art installations. Highlights included Filip Hodas’ video mapping at the Archbishop’s Palace, visited by Czech President Petr Pavel and the First Lady on Thursday evening, and SpY’s light installation in the Southern Gardens. The festival also hosted the first Signal Forum conference with international speakers. Next year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 16-19, 2025.