Czech news in brief for October 27: Sunday's top headlines

The number of clients repeatedly failing to repay loans has surged by nearly 50 percent and now affects 16 percent of borrowers, according to a recent survey by Czech News Agency among debt collection companies. The main reason cited is rising expenses driven by high inflation. Many individuals are trapped in a cycle of borrowing to pay off previous debts, often leading to a debt spiral.

Moira Stewartová significantly improved her own Czech half marathon record in Valencia, finishing in 1:08:44, over a minute and a half faster than her previous best of 1:10:14 from Istanbul in March 2022. The 29-year-old runner from Prague is the first Czech woman to break the 1:10 mark. Despite challenging weather, Stewartová maintained a strong pace throughout, ultimately finishing 11th in the race.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated that former PM Andrej Babiš was listed as StB agent "Bureš" in Slovakia’s records, despite recent Slovak Interior Ministry claims labeling the listing as wrongful. Lipavský, who examined the records himself, asserted that ties between Babiš and Slovak officials likely influenced the decision, fueling debate on whether an independent court ruling is necessary to verify Babiš’s alleged StB affiliation.

Health Minister Vlastimil Válek has highlighted an amendment to the Act on Public Health Insurance as a key legislative proposal to be discussed by the government on Wednesday. The amendment aims to enhance preventive care, clarify the roles of insurance companies, and address issues like disputed surgery fees. Válek expects the first reading in the House by year-end and anticipates various amendments.

Kateřina Siniaková secured her 28th doubles trophy at the Guangzhou Open on Sunday, partnering with Zhang Shuai to defeat Katarzyna Piter and Fanny Stollár 6-4, 6-1 in the final. Despite health issues preventing her from completing the singles semi-final, Siniaková’s victory marks her fifth title this season, each with a different partner.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has launched a profile on TikTok, the Chinese video-sharing app. Government communications director Václav Smolka stated that security measures are in place. The account aims to engage younger audiences by sharing Fiala’s policies in a relatable way. Other Czech politicians, including opposition leader Andrej Babiš, also use TikTok, typically on separate devices to follow cybersecurity guidance from the National Cyber and Information Security Agency. ​

The Israeli attack on Iranian military targets could escalate tensions in the region, according to Prague-based analyst Matúš Horčicka. Israel’s strike follows an Iranian missile attack earlier in October. Iran reports limited damage but confirmed two soldiers were killed. The United States and European allies have urged restraint, while Arab states condemned Israel’s action and warned against further escalation in the Middle East.

For the first time, Czech firms must disclose actual carbon emissions for imported products by Oct. 31, aligning with EU's CBAM carbon tax. This regulation, in effect since last October, initially allowed simplified reporting. The full CBAM rollout begins in 2026. Experts highlight uncertainties about the tax’s global impact, while industry voices caution against risks to EU firms' competitiveness on international markets.

Czech tennis player Kateřina Siniaková withdrew from the singles semifinal at the Guangzhou Open against Olga Danilović due to health issues on Saturday. Siniaková, who led 6-4, 4-6, 3-4, had struggled with physical discomfort from early in the match. Despite the setback, she is scheduled to compete in Sunday’s doubles final alongside Zhang Shuai against the Polish-Hungarian team of Katarzyna Piter and Fanny Stollár.

The Parliamentarium, an educational space in the Czech Chamber of Deputies, welcomed around 26,000 visitors in its first year. Most visitors were students. Located in Prague’s Sternberg Palace, it offers multimedia displays on parliamentary history and activities. Inspired by similar spaces in Austria and Germany, the center is open to the public on Mondays and for special events, including the Oct. 28 national holiday.

The 31st Bonjour Plzeň festival, hosted by the Alliance Française de Plzeň, will celebrate French culture with concerts, film screenings, culinary tastings, and more from Nov. 1-21. Events include Czech and French lectures, children’s programming, and a French food market. The festival will close with a performance by actress Chantal Poullain, known for promoting French culture in the Czech Republic.