Czech news in brief for October 24: Thursday's top headlines

The National Association of Patient Organizations (NAPO) reports that 70 percent of people support financial benefits for those who actively manage their health. NAPO also revealed that one-third of people in Czechia feel the healthcare system has worsened. NAPO’s survey showed that 40 percent of Czechs do not mind covering health services that cost under CZK 1,000 on their own. According to NAPO's proposals, health literacy should be part of school education.

The Prague 6 District Court has fined seven activists CZK 30,000 each for painting the Ukrainian flag in the area of Russian houses in Prague’s Bubenč earlier this year. Prosecutor Richard Petrásek stated that the charges were filed under a milder legal qualification. The activists, accused of property damage estimated at CZK 50,000, are appealing the ruling and seeking a public hearing, arguing that both the fine and damage assessment are unreasonable.

The National Office for Cyber and Information Security (NÚKIB) has issued a stark warning nationwide today of a phishing campaign targeting government, military institutions, and private companies, impersonating entities like Amazon, Microsoft, and Czech institutions. Dozens of attacks have already been recorded in the Czech Republic, with more expected. NÚKIB, informed by international partners and Ukraine’s CERT-UA agency, advises precautions like blocking specific files in email services to prevent compromises.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin signed the Czech-Vatican Treaty in Prague today. This agreement aims to formalize relations between Czechia and the Vatican, as the country remains one of the last in Europe without such an arrangement. A similar treaty was rejected in 2003 by Czech MPs for being unequal toward other churches. The Czech Republic will join the 64 countries, including 25 European ones, that have a similar treaty.

The British Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic (BCC) has been awarded the International Chamber of the Year award by the British Chambers of Commerce. BCC managing director Silvia Bušniaková said that this recognition celebrates the BCC's dedication to supporting businesses and promoting strong UK-Czech relations. The BCC succeeded in a competition of over 75 international chambers, with Bušniaková noting that the win highlights the value of member involvement.

Czech police officers have announced they will protest from Monday, Nov. 4 to Friday, Nov. 8 against the shortage of police personnel. Although striking is illegal, they will express their discontent by not issuing certain fines and explaining their reasons openly to the public. They may also delay responses to non-urgent calls, highlighting the impact of understaffing on their ability to perform basic duties. The policeman gets the job done, but in the rush he may miss something because he is pressured into flying from place to place," a police representative said.

The Chamber of Deputies approved the basic parameters of the Czech state budget for 2025, setting a deficit of CZK 241 billion—CZK 41 billion lower than the current year's amended budget. The bill saw support from 87 coalition MPs, while opposition parties criticized it as unrealistic, particularly regarding revenue projections. The budget anticipates economic growth of 2.7 percent, alongside increases in investment and social reconciliation efforts. Final approval is expected on Dec. 4.

Prague's real estate market is booming, with 5,350 new apartments sold in the first three quarters of 2024, nearly double last year's sales. This marks a 34 percent increase compared to 2023. Average prices for new apartments reached CZK 160,720 per square meter, a 6.8 percent rise year-on-year. Despite a seasonal slowdown in the third quarter, interest in new apartments remains strong, driven by deferred demand from previous years and rising property prices.

The Czech government has proposed two laws that would grant compensation of CZK 100,000 to individuals persecuted by the communist regime. The funds will support dissidents under protective supervision and those forced to emigrate by State Security (StB). The laws may benefit hundreds, including those who remained in the country. Deputy Minister Karel Dvořák emphasized the need for restitution for the "bullying" experienced by these individuals during the regime.

Czechia's spending on research reached CZK 139.7 billion last year, marking a 4.8% increase from 2022, according to the Czech Statistical Office. However, research expenditure as a percentage of GDP fell to 1.83 percent, down from 1.89 percent the previous year, while the EU average stood at 2.3 percent. Public resources accounted for CZK 50.1 billion of the total, with the business sector contributing CZK 90.4 billion, or two-thirds of overall research spending.

State Agricultural and Food Inspection officials found severe insect infestations, including worms and cobwebs, in the flour section of a Kaufland store in Prague 6. The inspection, conducted on Oct.18, revealed pests in flour packages and throughout the shelves. As a result, the store closed the affected area immediately. Staff addressed the issues, and the store has since reopened after passing a follow-up inspection.

Czech designer Jan Kadera, 24, showcased his "growing" wheelchair for children aged four to ten at the Brussels Design September event, emphasizing social and inclusive design. Kadera, a student at Tomas Bata University, spent nine months creating the prototype, which features an all-aluminum structure and 3D-printed components. He aims to secure investment for production and hopes to see his design in use on the streets. Kadera won the Czech National Award for Student Design GRAND for his work.