News: Sunday, January 5th, 2025

ANO analyses possible unconstitutional aspects of pension reform

Experts from the opposition ANO movement are examining potential constitutional issues with the government’s pension reform and its adoption process. Alena Schillerová, head of the ANO parliamentary club, expressed her willingness to support a submission to the Constitutional Court (ÚS).

She criticized Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová for blocking a vote on her proposal to suspend negotiations on the reform until mid-2025, citing that the lower house had already set a date for the session’s continuation.

The pension reform, which raises the retirement age to 67 and reduces new pensions due to the system deficit, was published in the Collection of Laws in December. The changes will be implemented gradually through 2027. The opposition ANO and SPD parties have vowed to repeal much of the reform if they gain power in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Czech households will overpay ten billion crowns for energy in 2024

Czech households are expected to overpay by approximately CZK 10 billion on energy bills in 2024. This primarily affects customers with open-ended contracts, who make up about half of all electricity customers in Czechia.

However, compared to last year, most customers with open-ended contracts will see savings, as many suppliers offered discounts earlier this year. The Energy Regulatory Office forecasts that energy prices will decrease in 2025, with electricity for the average household expected to be 10.1 percent cheaper year-on-year, and gas 8.5 percent cheaper. Households without fixed-rate contracts are projected to save CZK 1,000 annually compared to 2024.

Czech juniors lose to USA in semi-finals

Czech hockey players were defeated 1-4 by the defending US champions in the semifinal of the World Junior Championship in Ottawa, and will now compete for the bronze medal once again after a year. Their opponents in the bronze medal game will be Sweden, the defending silver medalists, who lost to Finland 3-4 in overtime.

Gabe Perreault gave the US team the lead in the fourth minute before 14,191 spectators, but Jakub Štancl responded by scoring his sixth goal of the tournament to level the game before the end of the first period. In the 34th minute, Cole Eiserman netted the game-winning goal on a power play. Ryan Leonard and Oliver Moore further extended the lead later in the game.

Celebrated horror director Robert Eggers' latest film, Nosferatu, shot in Czechia

Renowned horror director Robert Eggers has created a new version of the classic Dracula film Nosferatu. The lead female role is played by Lily-Rose Depp, the daughter of Johnny Depp. The film was shot in Czechia and has become one of the most highly anticipated releases.

In his adaptation, Eggers took advantage of the dramatic landscapes of the Bohemian Central Highlands, Prague's Invalidovna, and Czech castles, as well as the sandstone cliffs where some scenes were filmed. However, much of the movie was shot at the Barrandov studios, which allowed for the creation of the historical setting of the (fictional) German town.

Chimpanzee dies at Dvůr Králové Zoo, likely due to fight started by firework scare

A 50-year-old chimpanzee of the chego subspecies named Dingo passed away at the Dvůr Králové nad Labem Safari Park on Friday. The cause of death was internal organ injuries, likely sustained from a fall or a confrontation with other chimpanzees.

According to the caretakers, the fall or altercation may have been triggered by the animals being startled by the noise from New Year's Eve fireworks. The chego subspecies of chimpanzees is considered endangered in the wild.

Increase in accidents due to snowfall

Road conditions worsen in Czechia due to snowfall. This was particular the case fron in the South Moravian Region. Road workers in some areas are warning of freezing precipitation. There has also been a rise in accidents, with the police reporting around 15 so far. In Brno, some public transport services have also been delayed due to the weather.

The police noted that the number of accidents began to increase in the afternoon. According to the Police Traffic Information Center, around 15 incidents have been recorded on Sunday.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has forecast that the snowfall will turn into freezing rain, leading to thick ice formation, which could further disrupt transportation and impact the energy supply.

Weather forecast

The weather will be mostly overcast and cloudy with isolated drizzles. Temperatures will range from 1 to 5 °C in northeast Bohemia and 5 to 9 °C elsewhere.