Czech news in brief for October 21: Monday's top headlines

The Prague Transport Company (DPP) Supervisory Board has dismissed Petr Witowski as board chairman at an urgent meeting following a corruption scandal in which DPP officials are being accused of corruption and bribery. However, Witkowski will remain general director. Deputy Pragye Mayor for Transport Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) took the decision; Witkowski refused to resign last week, saying there was “no need.” The bribery is said to have taken place during the awarding of public, million-crown contracts in recent years.

The Initiative for Equality, Justice, and Human Rights non-governmental organization criticized this afternoon welfare reforms debated in the lower house, arguing they impose stricter rules rather than motivating people to overcome hardships. Pavla Aschermannová from the social rights Rubikon association described the reform as punitive, while Iva Kuchyňková from the Caritas charity stressed that restrictions cannot force change. The government approved the bill in September, aiming to consolidate four existing welfare benefits into one by mid-2025.

Czech Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Lipavský today met with Kazakh counterpart Murat Nurtleu and discussed economic projects, anti-Russian sanctions, and the defense of the current global order. Lipavský, who is on a regional trip, will also visit Uzbekistan to explore cooperation in energy, defense, and air transport, and deliver a lecture in Tashkent. Kazakhstan is a key oil supplier to the Czech Republic and a major uranium producer, and Lipavský notes its growing regional influence in IT, AI, and cybersecurity.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts a mostly sunny week in the Czech Republic, with highs above 15 degrees Celsius. Today and Tuesday will be clear to partly cloudy, with some fog and light rain expected in the northwest on Tuesday afternoon. A cold front will pass on Tuesday, followed by high pressure on Wednesday, bringing clearing skies. Temperatures will reach 18 degrees Celsius midweek, with occasional light rain over the weekend. In Prague, temperatures will peak on Tuesday (17 degrees).

The vice president of the High Court in Prague today highlighted the risks of AI in justice, such as privacy breaches, decision opacity, and potential discrimination against those lacking access to the technology. He emphasized the ethical challenges and public mistrust if decisions rely on AI instead of judges. Věra Jourová, European Commission vice-president, stressed that AI must not replace judicial decision-making. Deputy Justice Minister Karel Dvořák acknowledged AI’s usefulness but stressed the need for reliability.

Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette will headline the 2025 Metronome Prague music and art festival, taking place from June 19-21, 2025, at the Prague Exhibition Center. Morissette, known for hits like Thank U, Ironic, and You Oughta Know, will bring her energetic live performance to the festival. This will be her fourth appearance in the Czech Republic, following previous shows in 1999, 2008, and 2012.

Czech coalition leaders are reviewing a draft law to address the housing crisis, which includes tenant protections and contact points in large municipalities to assist at-risk residents. The bill, pushed by Regional Development Minister Petr Kulhánek, faces opposition from ODS and TOP 09, which oppose new official hires. While the plan seeks to prevent homelessness, funding and staffing concerns have caused delays, and opposition remains uncertain about its effectiveness.

The European Union's new Entry-Exit System (EES), designed to improve security and track migration, was delayed again beyond its Nov. 10 launch. Germany, France, and the Netherlands cited readiness issues, while the Czech Republic is prepared after successfully testing the system at international airports, reports Novinky. EES will replace passport stamping with biometric data collection, aimed at curbing illegal migration and terrorism.

Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukraine's president, dismissed claims that Czech ammunition supplied to Ukraine is overpriced or defective, labeling them as fictitious and beneficial to Russian interests. The claims were made by former Czech senator Lukas Wagenknecht, who cited specific concerns about a German donation. The Czech Defense Ministry denied any overpricing. Podolyak praised the initiative's effectiveness, saying it has significantly improved Ukraine’s firepower. Czech PM Petr Fiala affirmed that half a million rounds will be delivered to Ukraine by year-end.

Czech architect John Eisler, co-designer of Prague's Máj department store, has died at 78, the Czech Chamber of Architects announced. Eisler, known for his global perspective during the totalitarian regime, also worked on Prague’s Trade Fair Palace. After two decades in New York with Richard Meier's studio, he returned to Prague in 2006. Eisler's contributions enriched Czech architecture with innovative designs.

A rare meteorological phenomenon, Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds resembling sea waves or curls, was observed in central Bohemia on October 20. These striking cloud formations occur where layers of air with different densities and speeds meet. Photographs from areas like Roudnice nad Labem and Kladno were shared by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, capturing the beauty of the moment. Residents from nearby towns posted their own images, highlighting this exceptional sight.