Media Czech radio and TV fees may be increased
The Czech Chamber of Deputies will begin discussing a controversial bill to raise TV and radio fees next week. The proposal also includes expanding the pool of fee payers to include households with devices capable of receiving broadcasts via the internet. The government argues the change will help ensure the sustainability of public broadcasters Czech Television and Czech Radio. Opposition parties, including ANO and SPD, are expected to challenge the bill.
Accident Two dead, eight injured at Czech WWII event
Two men died, and eight others were injured during a private WWII military vehicle demonstration near Horní Dvořiště, close to the Austrian border. A half-track armored vehicle overturned into a stream after skidding on an icy bridge. Nine people were trapped under the vehicle, and one man was unsuccessfully resuscitated by witnesses. Rescuers transported the injured to Český Krumlov hospital, and a post-traumatic team assisted at the scene.
Sports Procházka tops Hill at UFC 311 in Los Angeles
Czech MMA fighter Jiří Procházka defeated former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill in the third round at UFC 311 in Los Angeles on Saturday evening. Procházka’s knockout victory marked his 31st professional win. Despite a cautious start, the Hostěradice native dominated the final round to secure a stoppage. Procházka expressed a desire for a rematch with UFC Light Heavyweight Alex Pereira, saying, “I believe I can be champion.”
Economy Czech rent prices rose seven percent in Q4 2024
Rent prices in the Czech Republic rose by an average of 7 percent year-on-year in Q4 2024, with the average monthly rent reaching CZK 16,473, according to data from UlovDomov.cz. The spike in rent is attributed to a shortage of available apartments and growing demand. In Prague, the most sought-after 2+kk apartments rented for CZK 21,410 on average, up CZK 1,100 from the previous year. Similar increases were noted in Brno, where the average rent for a 2+kk apartment was CZK 17,160.
Military Czech artillery unit returns from Lithuania
After a year in Lithuania, Czech artillery forces have returned, replaced by a chemical unit from Liberec. Operating under German-led NATO forces, the mission bolsters the alliance’s eastern defenses. The chemical unit, specializing in radiological and chemical reconnaissance and decontamination, will serve for 12 months. This deployment supports NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence, established after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, and reinforces alliance solidarity in the Baltic region.
Politics Zdeněk Papoušek elected to Czech Senate
Zdeněk Papoušek, a former senator for the Christian Democrats, secured a decisive victory in the Brno Senate by-election, winning 59.4 percent of the vote. The by-election was held following the sudden death of Roman Kraus last October. Papoušek, nominated by ODS with support from several parties, will hold the mandate until October 2026. Voter turnout reached 20.62 percent, considered high for a by-election. The runner-up, ANO’s Karin Podivinská, garnered 21.92 percent of the vote.
Environment Sulfur dioxide leak at Czech chemical plant
A sulfur dioxide leak occurred at the Precheza chemical plant in Přerov, part of Agrofert conglomerate, on Friday evening. The company stated the incident had no adverse impact on air quality. The leak, caused by a pressure membrane failure, was promptly contained, and the affected equipment was shut down. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, air quality in Přerov remained “very good” following the incident.