Czech news in brief for October 29: Tuesday's top headlines

Former U.S. ambassador to Czechia Andrew Schapiro told Czech media today that Vice President Kamala Harris currently faces challenges in her presidential campaign, despite positive economic indicators, as many Americans feel burdened by rising living costs. Schapiro, now part of the Democratic Party's fundraising committee, highlighted that Harris’ campaign relies on emotions over detailed plans and contrasts with President Joe Biden’s approach. He also warned that former President Donald Trump's re-election could have “disastrous” effects on the country.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that ČEZ, a semi-state energy company (the country’s largest), signed a strategic cooperation agreement with UK firm Rolls-Royce SMR to develop modular reactors. ČEZ will acquire a 20 percent stake in the firm for billions of crowns. The first modular reactor is set to be built at the Temelín nuclear power plant in the early 2030s. This collaboration enables ČEZ to engage in developing and producing new reactor technologies, enhancing energy security.

National authorities have reported that half of the inspected social care facilities in the Czech Republic failed to meet safety standards this year. Out of 1,128 facilities, issues included malfunctioning fire doors, improper locking, and excessive flammable materials obstructing escape routes. Some facilities lacked essential construction documentation, raising legal concerns. Additionally, many exceeded their equipment capacity. The government aims to improve assistance for the needy by linking social and health care services, according to ministers.

According to Prague Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek, the institution will donate CZK 206,000 to protect eastern Congo's gorillas from a new mpox variant. The funds will train healthcare workers and community leaders to identify and prevent mpox in wildlife and locals, aiming to prevent transmission to gorillas. Additionally, the zoo’s contribution will purchase 100 rapid diagnostic tests to strengthen early detection efforts and safeguard these endangered animals.The world is currently seeing a strong uptick in mpox cases.

The State Veterinary Administration (SVS) has announced it will expand the bluetongue disease protection zone across the Czech Republic starting Wednesday, following a rise to 67 outbreaks in seven regions, with nine new cases in the past week. Most cases are in Karlovy Vary, Ústecký, Plzeň, Liberec, South Bohemia, Central Bohemia, and Vysočina, affecting nearly 9,000 animals. SVS director Zbyněk Semerád advises cattle and sheep breeders to vaccinate, although vaccination remains voluntary.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reported that one-tenth of Czech meteorological stations, mainly in Central Bohemia, recorded temperatures over 20 degrees Celsius on Oct. 28, marking new historical records. The warmest reading, 21.5 degrees, was in the town of Dobřichovice, near Prague. Four stations in Prague, including the Clementinum—the country’s oldest station dating to 1775—plus five in Central Bohemia and three in South Bohemia reported temperatures above 20 degrees. In the capital, temperatures will remain elevated until Saturday.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala for comments on a recent settlement involving Czech opposition leader and former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, suggesting Fiala questioned the credibility of Slovak institutions and interfered in Slovakia’s affairs. Fico also congratulated both countries on the anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s founding in 1918 and expressed openness to resuming joint government consultations. The Slovak Interior Ministry recently settled a dispute over Babiš registration as a former Czechoslovak State Security agent.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala has confirmed that leaders of the Together (Spolu) coalition parties—Civic Democrats (ODS), Christian Democrats (KDU-ČSL), and TOP 09—signed a memorandum today to jointly contest the 2025 Czech parliamentary elections, aiming to form a center-right government. The coalition will campaign against leftist and populist opponents, emphasizing democratic values and pledging reforms in economic, health, social, and defense sectors. Their program will launch in February 2025, with final candidate lists approved thereafter.

The Czech State Health Institute (SZÚ) has reported a 2.9 percent rise in acute respiratory infections week on week, now at 1,361 cases per 100,000 people, with preschoolers most affected. Although Covid-19 transmission has slowed, respiratory cases continue to climb, particularly among children and young adults. The highest rates are in South Moravia, with adults seeing a notable increase in flu-like symptoms. The SZÚ advises flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and basic hygiene, noting that infection levels remain below epidemic thresholds.

According to the Czech Climate Facts study, Czech coal-fired electricity can soon be reliably replaced by cheaper imports from neighboring countries. However, coal will still dominate Czech heating in the near future, slowing decarbonization. The study calls for expanding renewable energy and grid infrastructure to reduce electricity costs and dependence on imports. It suggests temporarily maintaining coal-fired heating plants and coal mining, with about CZK 6 billion in public support annually until 2028, to ensure affordability and reliability.