Czech news in brief for September 2: Monday's top headlines

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed concern over the rise of radical and extreme political movements in Germany, stating that it is not beneficial for either Germany or Czechia. He attributed this to uncontrolled illegal migration and called for a European-level approach to address the issue, including faster asylum procedures, stricter controls, and stronger action against smugglers. The Alternative for Germany party won state elections in the regions of Thuringia and Saxony, but will not likely participate in the state governments due to opposition from other parties.

Czech President Petr Pavel vetoed a bill that would limit lay judges' roles in court decisions, marking his first veto since taking office. The amendment, aimed at reducing judiciary red tape, would remove lay judges from panels in district courts and some criminal cases. Prime Minister Petr Fiala respected the veto, while Chamber Speaker Marketa Pekarova Adamova supported the amendment for judicial efficiency. Pavel argued for a more thorough analysis and political debate before implementing such significant judicial changes. The Chamber of Deputies will decide whether to override the veto.

The main part of the tourist season in the Czech Republic has concluded with mixed results. Hotel and guesthouse owners generally rated the season as good, but restaurant operators reported a 20 percent decline in sales. The hot summer also affected visits to castles and chateaux, with Bouzov Castle seeing a significant drop from 120,000 visitors last year to 50,000 this year. Despite challenges, the season was successful overall but weaker than last year.

According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, this summer in central Prague was the third-warmest since 1775. The average temperature was 22.6 degrees Celsius – only 2018 and 2019 were warmer. August had an average temperature of 23.5 degrees, ranking fourth-warmest since 1775. Meteorologists warned that six of the hottest summers in Prague history have been recorded in the 21st century, with the hottest being in 2016. The coldest summer season was recorded in 1844 with an average temperature of 16.4 degrees.

Meteorologists predict a warm, dry start to September, with occasional showers or thunderstorms. The hottest days are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with afternoon highs potentially reaching 34 degrees Celsius, considered extreme for early September, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Cooler temperatures may arrive by Thursday, though forecasts remain uncertain.

The new school year has begun in primary and secondary schools. According to the Ministry of Education, an estimated 117,900 first-graders are starting. While the number of primary school pupils is expected to decrease compared to last year, secondary school enrollment in day education is expected to rise. As is customary, some schools will welcome children with politicians alongside teachers.

The Czech Finance Ministry has proposed a CZK 230 billion deficit for 2025, aiming to reduce the deficit from CZK 252 billion this year to CZK 288.5 billion in 2023. The draft budget projects a 7.5 percent increase in revenues to CZK 2.1 trillion and a 5.7 percent increase in expenditures to CZK 2.3 trillion. The Health Ministry will see the most significant increase in spending, followed by the Transport Ministry.

According to a report by Deník N, residents of Mikulov, a South Moravian city, are frustrated by the influx of summer tourists, particularly inconsiderate cyclists who ride against traffic or while intoxicated. However, local hoteliers are seeking more guests despite the complaints. The city has introduced a new parking system and quiet hours. However, finding a solution that would suit both locals and visitors has not yet been possible.

According to the Environment Ministry, property owners have replaced 194,000 harmful boilers in Czechia through subsidy programs, costing CZK 21 billion. An estimated 150,000 boilers still need to be replaced as the ban on using first and second-emission class boilers in households takes effect today.

The ministry advises municipalities to prioritize getting people to replace or stop using banned boilers rather than immediately imposing fines. The boiler subsidies have ended, but people can now apply for support from the New Green Savings program to replace boilers of lower emission classes.