Czech news in brief for January 16: Thursday’s top headlines

Prague Václav Havel Airport handled 16.35 million passengers in 2024, an 18 percent increase year-on-year and 92 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The airport exceeded its forecast by 800,000 passengers, serving 181 destinations with 76 carriers. London was the most popular route, followed by Paris and Amsterdam. The airport recorded 134,609 takeoffs and landings, up 12 percent. Chairman Jiří Pos highlighted an 83 percent average plane occupancy rate and plans for over 190 direct routes in 2025.

Former Czech Prime Minister and leader of the opposition ANO party Andrej Babiš has ruled out forming a government with parties in the current cabinet after this autumn’s general election. In an interview with Czech media, Babiš named himself and ex-Minister Karel Havlíček as ANO’s main candidates. Babiš emphasized cooperation only with entities aligned with ANO’s agenda, prioritizing a retirement age cap at 65 and abolishing TV and radio license fees.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský hailed the upcoming Israel-Hamas ceasefire as a vital step toward ending Middle East violence. He emphasized its success hinges on hostages’ safe return and improving Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The ceasefire, confirmed by Qatar’s PM, starts Jan. 19. Czech PM Petr Fiala also welcomed the news, calling it a significant shift. The Gaza conflict has claimed over 46,000 lives since Oct. 2023.

Memorial events across Czechia today mark the 56th anniversary of Jan Palach’s self-immolation. The 20-year-old student set himself on fire in January 1969, protesting societal resignation after the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion. Ceremonies in Prague, Mělník, and Zlín honor his sacrifice, including a candlelit vigil. Palach’s act inspired protests against normalization and remains a symbol of resistance, officially commemorated since 2014 as a significant Czech day.

Czech primary and secondary schools could soon offer free menstrual supplies, as the Ministry of Health proposes an amendment to the hygiene decree. This would require schools to provide sanitary pads in girls’ toilets, funded by school founders with potential state budget support. Advocates highlight reduced absenteeism and improved comfort in pilot programs. The measure could be implemented within months, though funding details remain unresolved.

British military convoys, with 300 soldiers and 100 vehicles, will traverse Czechia from January 19-26 en route to NATO’s Steadfast Dart 2025 in Romania. Czech police will escort the nighttime movements to minimize traffic impact. Troops will rest and refuel in South Moravia. The exercise tests NATO’s rapid response capabilities, with Czechia providing logistical support. The troops will return via Czechia in March.

Josef Váchal’s Šumava umírající a romantická (Šumava, Dying and Romantic) was named the Most Beautiful Czech Book of the Century, organizers announced at the Kampa Museum. Created in 1931, the hand-crafted, 20-kilogram work features 74 color woodcuts. The poll celebrated the 60th anniversary of the National Literature Monument’s competition. Váchal’s legacy as an artist and craftsman is showcased in the exhibition Identity, running at the museum until Feb. 2.