Czech news in brief for September 4: Wednesday's top headlines

The Czech government has approved the establishment of the Government Council for Public Health, which will advise on promoting healthy lifestyles and monitoring health risks. Led by Deputy Interior Minister Vít Rakušan, the council will meet for the first time in autumn and is part of the ongoing restructuring of public health in the country. Its creation is in line with EU and World Health Organization recommendations, and will also provide a competitive advantage for potential Czech health-focused projects, the government says.

The Czech government has approved a program to provide almost CZK 500m in support for fruit growers affected by spring frosts. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný announced that applications for support will open on Oct. 15 and payments will be made from December. Support applies to apple, pear, apricot, cherry, and plum trees. Czech Fruit Union head Martin Ludvík said earlier that compensation for damages could change the decision of some fruit growers to reduce the area of ​​their orchards.

In the Ukrainian city of Lviv, a new section of a maternity and prenatal center has opened, supported by a CZK 10 million contribution from Czechia. The center, located in a basement to protect mothers and babies from Russian attacks, recently saw 23 births in just one day. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová called it a symbol of the brutality faced by Ukrainians, but also a message of hope and solidarity. 

According to a press release by the Association of Automobile Importers, sales of new passenger cars in the Czech Republic increased by 2.26 percent to 153,757 vehicles in eight months. However, in August, there was a decrease of 8.7 percent. The most popular brand is Škoda with 51,178 registered cars, followed by Hyundai and Toyota. SUVs and gasoline fuel are the top choices, while alternative drive vehicles saw a 31.8 percent increase in registrations. Light commercial-vehicle sales also increased by 10.1 percent. 

The Czech koruna depreciated against the euro and dollar on Tuesday, trading at 25.08 CZK/EUR and 22.72 CZK/USD. Analysts attributed the currency's decline to domestic wage growth data, which showed a 6.5 percent increase year-on-year, lower than analysts’ expectations. Meanwhile, the Prague Stock Exchange’s PX index fell 0.97 percent, dropping below 1,600 points, with major losses in bank and energy sectors, notably Erste and ČEZ stocks.

Classes will resume today today after a knife attack at a primary school in Domažlice on Tuesday. Police have arrested a female student who allegedly attacked her classmates with a knife. Two children were injured in the incident. Both injured students were released to home care after treatment at the hospital. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack; further possible measures will be taken by by the school depending on its results.

The Czech Republic set a new high for September temperatures as 33 weather stations recorded their warmest readings in at least 30 years. Strážnice in Hodonín topped the list at 35.1 degrees Celsius. Seven other locations, mainly in southern and central Moravia, reported temperatures above 34 degrees. Meteorologists from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute noted that today's records surpassed previous highs from earlier this week, with expectations for continued warm weather.

Prague’s Film and Television Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) has been named one of the world’s top fifteen film schools by The Hollywood Reporter. FAMU, known for inspiring the Czechoslovak new wave, has produced prominent filmmakers like Miloš Forman and Věra Chytilová. The school collaborates with top institutions, enhancing student exchange opportunities. Vice-Dean Vít Schmarc emphasized the honor and commitment this recognition brings as FAMU continues to foster talent in film education.

Energy company ČEZ will reduce electricity and gas prices for 1.7 million customers starting in January 2025. Prices will drop by around 6% for electricity and 10% for gas, equating to hundreds of crowns in savings per megawatt-hour. Other suppliers like E.ON and Innogy are also cutting prices for their customers this fall. The discounts will apply to both existing and new customers without long-term contracts.