Czech news in brief for October 18: Friday's top headlines

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein, after talks with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský in Prague, warned that the spread of the Middle East conflict would be disastrous. He urged an immediate halt to fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, attributing the war to the lack of guaranteed rights for Palestinians. Hussein stressed the importance of diplomacy, warning of regional escalation, especially with Israel targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. Czechia has reaffirmed its long-standing support of Israel.

According to the Czech Ministry of Finance, the country's state debt reached a record CZK 3.334 trillion by the third quarter of this year, increasing by CZK 223.1 billion since January. Each citizen theoretically owes CZK 306,460. The debt-to-GDP ratio also rose to 42.3 percent. The increase stems mainly from bond sales to cover the growing budget deficit, now at CZK 181.7 billion. Creditas Bank's chief economist Petr Dufek noted that state debt has doubled in five years.

Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka reported recruitment into the Czech army is struggling this year, with unsatisfactory numbers and a negative trend. The army aims for 30,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 reserves by 2030 but is currently behind. Řehka emphasized the need for reforms, including increased benefits, as the military is losing competitiveness. “If society's approach to defense preparation does not change, we will have big problems in the future," Řehka said.

According to Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the current government has successfully navigated unprecedented challenges, including the energy and migration crises caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inflation, and budget deficits. Fiala defended the cabinet's compromises, praising all ministers, including Marian Jurečka and Marek Výborný. He highlighted the government's achievements, such as reducing dependence on Russian energy and providing large levels of protection to Ukrainian refugees.

Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda has demanded the resignation of accused representatives from the Prague Transport Company (DPP) and called for a competition to appoint a new director by the end of October. Svoboda’s demands come after police intervention at DPP headquarters, where multiple individuals, including board members Marek Kopřiva and Jiří Špička, were accused of bribery. He emphasized the need for a complete reshuffle of the company’s leadership amid ongoing corruption issues.

Czech President Petr Pavel signed an amendment today establishing new regulations for kratom and low-THC cannabis, effective December. The law aims to limit sales to protect children and youth, categorizing psychoactive substances by risk level. Adults may purchase them only in specialized shops, with bans on public advertising and vending machine sales. Sellers must verify buyer age and obtain licenses, with significant administrative fees.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that more EU countries are looking for effective strategies to address illegal migration, as current return policies are inadequate. Following an EU summit, Fiala noted significant progress in discussions among member states. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that a new legislative proposal for more efficient returns will be forthcoming. Fiala emphasized the importance of maintaining Schengen’s free movement while enhancing border protection and cooperation with third countries.

An analysis by Cyrrus analysts suggests a victory for Democrat Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election would benefit the European and Czech economies. At the same time, Republican Donald Trump’s win would favor U.S. stockholders. Chief Economist Vít Hradil noted that Trump’s protectionist stance could harm cross-border business in Europe, while his tax policies could diminish EU competitiveness. Polls indicate a close race, with Harris currently leading by several points.

A female Rothschild’s giraffe cub was born on Oct. 14 at Dvůr Králové Safari Park, contributing to the global conservation of this critically endangered species. This birth marks the 184th Rothschild’s giraffe born at the park, renowned for its successful breeding program. The mother and cub will remain in the stable for now, with plans for the cub to be visible to visitors in a few months.

Animal rights activists in Czechia are pushing for expanded camera coverage in slaughterhouses to prevent animal cruelty. They argue the current proposal, which only mandates cameras in unloading areas, is insufficient. A stricter amendment, supported by MPs Klára Kocmanová and Markéta Pekarová Adamová, calls for cameras in all areas where animals are handled. Animal welfare groups say surveillance could deter abuse, improve conditions, and help detect illegal practices.

Eurostat reported that inflation in the European Union eased to 2.1 percent in September, down from 2.4 percent in August. However, inflation in the Czech Republic increased to 2.8 percent, up from 2.4 percent the previous month. In the eurozone, inflation fell to 1.7 percent. Year-over-year, inflation in the EU was 4.9 percent last September, while the Czech Republic saw 8.3 percent. Ireland recorded the lowest inflation at zero percent, while Romania had the highest at 4.8 percent.