Saturday edition: A cheat sheet to this week's headlines in Czechia

It's Saturday morning, and we've put together a weekend news roundup, breaking down the headlines making waves this past week (Oct. 21-26). Catch up on what you missed and head into the weekend informed and connected with what's happening across Czechia.

Czech police on Friday charged two individuals and a company with fraud after claiming CZK 100 million in public funds for an innovative line for the production of toasted bread, according to the National Centre Against Organized Crime. The Penam company, part of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš' Agrofert group, was handed the funds in 2018 but failed to impress EU auditors, who found the “innovation” was already standard fare at Agrofert. With assets seized, legal battles are baking, and fraud charges might leave those involved with sentences of up to 10 years in prison.

Speaking of dough, inflation isn’t just buttering up costs; it’s hitting Czechia’s wallets hard. Butter prices have soared to nearly CZK 70 per pack, leaving consumers and bakers struggling to keep their favorite pastries on the menu. Croissants and buttery treats may become rare delicacies as bakers consider price hikes or ingredient swaps to avoid spoiling their margins.

On Oct. 26 – almost exactly 100 years after its maiden flight – the final Czech Airlines (ČSA) flight under its iconic OK code will land at Václav Havel Airport marking the end of an era as operations shift to Smartwings. Starting Oct. 27, flights will use the Smartwings QS code while retaining ČSA branding. Founded in 1923, ČSA now has less than 1 percent market share after bankruptcy, leading the airport to focus more on local travelers. This shift positions Prague as a final destination rather than a transfer hub, signaling a new chapter in Czech aviation.

This week also saw the maiden flight of another kind: Czech travelers celebrated the inaugural charter flight from Prague to Phu Quoc, Vietnam, carrying 400 tourists. After a year-long promotional campaign, local officials welcomed the first Eastern European visitors at the airport. The tourists were set to enjoy a week of exploring the island’s attractions, including VinWonders and Vinpearl Safari, with a Slovak flight expected to follow by month’s end.

European central bankers may soon be reaching for the antacids: Donald Trump’s potential 2024 victory is causing no small amount of anxiety across the EU, with policymakers fearing a return of his trademark tariffs and “America First” approach.

Bloomberg reports that Trump’s proposed tariffs could reach 60 percent on Chinese imports and up to 20 percent on other countries, potentially pushing the euro to parity with the dollar. This prospect has European leaders tossing and turning. As inflation challenges and high debt strain their economies, the EU braces for a bumpy economic ride if Trump’s trade war gets the green light.

Vice President Kamala Harris is viewed as a more beneficial U.S. presidential candidate for Czechia than Trump, particularly regarding trade, energy, and tax policies, Czech economist Vít Hradil said this week. Harris's support for trade stability and renewable energy aligns with Czech and European interests, while Trump’s protectionist measures could harm Czech industries, especially automotive exports.

This week, the Chamber of Deputies approved an amendment to the Audiovisual Act, extending state support to video game creators. This initiative seeks to bolster the local creative industry, allowing game developers to access funding previously reserved for filmmakers. Additionally, the amendment requires video-on-demand platforms like Netflix to contribute financially to the Czech market, mandating a 2 percent fee on sales and a 1.5 percent investment in local content.

The Czech government also took a decisive step toward enhancing public safety with a new amendment to the Weapons Act. This legislation mandates that firearm and ammunition sellers report suspicious purchases to the police, addressing concerns following the tragic shooting at Charles University last December. Such behaviors include unusual purchases or signs of distress among buyers.

As Prague gears up for secondary school applications early next year, the Ministry of Education announced dates for submissions via the DiPSy system, on paper, or through a hybrid approach earlier this week. The deadline remains Feb. 20, 2025, allowing up to five applications. Entrance exams for four-year programs are set for April 11 and 14, with six- and eight-year grammar school exams following closely on April 15 and 16.

Meanwhile, amidst the academic hustle, a recent Center for Social Services survey highlights a sobering trend: around 26 percent of second-grade primary and secondary students report low life satisfaction, with girls particularly struggling. Conducted in December, the survey revealed that 15 percent exhibit severe anxiety, and nearly 20 percent show signs of moderate to severe depression. Digital technology’s impact is evident, as 7 percent display problematic internet use, while 31 percent engage in risky online behavior.

This week in Czechia, significant strides in drug research bring hope, particularly for cancer patients facing mental health challenges. Studies from the National Institute of Mental Health reveal promising potential for psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine to alleviate depression and anxiety in this vulnerable group. Experts argue that these substances could revolutionize trauma treatment, offering more profound emotional healing beyond the capabilities of traditional therapies.

This encouraging news about drug research and development is overshadowed by troubling developments in rural healthcare. The General Health Insurance Company’s decision to cut subsidies for small pharmacies threatens the viability of essential services in communities like Osečná and Vysoké nad Jizerou. These pharmacies are critical for elderly residents who rely on them for medication access. Local officials urgently advocate for their preservation, fearing the loss of these vital healthcare resources.