News: Friday, January 24th, 2025

Opposition seeks to block parliamentry debate on increasing TV and radio license fees

The Czech opposition SPD party, led by Tomio Okamura, plans to block the Chamber of Deputies from debating a bill to increase TV and radio license fees, aiming to prevent its passage. Okamura declared that the SPD would obstruct the session on Friday and in the coming days. The bill proposes raising the TV fee to CZK 150 and the radio fee to CZK 55 per month, expanding fees to internet-capable devices. Meanwhile, over 12,000 individuals and 211 organizations, including the National Theatre, the Czech Olympic Committee, and Scouts, have signed a petition supporting a bill to raise TV and radio license fees.

President Pavel visits Czechia's largest foreign development project in Bosnia

Czech President Petr Pavel visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to inspect the country's largest foreign development project— a €4 million water treatment plant in Teslić. Funded by the Czech Development Agency (€2.6 million), the European Investment Bank, and the municipality of Teslić, the project complements Sweden’s efforts in wastewater management in the area. President Pavel highlighted the importance of Bosnia as a priority country for Czech development cooperation. The project was implemented by Brno-based company Arko Technology, which supplied the plant’s equipment, while local authorities handled construction. Pavel also visited a therapeutic project supporting children with disabilities in Zavidović.

Ministry of Health: overweight problem for half of Czech kids

Only half of Czech 13-year-olds have a healthy weight, with 15% classified as obese, according to statistics. The Ministry of Health has launched the “Be Fit 24” campaign targeting children aged 6 to 11 with overweight issues. The program, involving 1,000 participants under pediatric supervision, includes fitness trackers and a mobile app for tracking activity and diet. Minister Vlastimil Válek highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on rising childhood obesity rates. The initiative aims to reverse the trend, with entire families encouraged to participate. If successful, health insurers may fund future campaigns through prevention programs.

Former volunteer ranger acquitted of Czech National Park wildfire

The Regional Court in Ústí nad Labem ruled that former volunteer park ranger Jiří Lobotka was not guilty of causing the massive 2022 wildfire in Czech Switzerland National Park but convicted him of starting smaller fires in 2023. Lobotka received a two-year prison sentence and was released from custody. The verdict is not final, as the prosecutor immediately appealed. The court found no direct or indirect evidence linking Lobotka to the major wildfire, emphasizing inconsistencies in his confession during psychiatric treatment. Judge Roman Felzmann stated that the burden of proof was not met, leaving reasonable doubt. Lobotka was also ordered to undergo compulsory treatment and pay damages for the smaller fires.

Smuggler caught in Prague with 16.5 kg of drugs, hidden in child car seats

Customs officers in central Prague apprehended a Nigerian smuggler in late December with 16.5 kilograms of drugs in his car, concealed in items such as child car seats. The haul included ecstasy, cocaine, and nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine, according to Martina Kaňková, spokesperson for the General Customs Directorate. The man also reportedly smuggled two kilograms of ecstasy tablets earlier, hidden in a bread-making machine and sent via courier. Officers arrested him at Florenc bus terminal, where they discovered drugs hidden in food cans, books, and other items. The case is now being handled by the National Anti-Drug Headquarters.

Mountain rescue service warns of icy conditions in Krkonoše mountains

The Krkonoše Mountain Rescue Service has warned of icy terrain on mountain ridges, advising tourists to use winter traction equipment such as crampons or ice grips. Snow is frozen in many places, with icy patches complicating movement. The first, lowest level of avalanche risk remains in effect, with conditions generally safe for hiking. Snow depth on the ridges ranges from 80 to 150 centimeters. Recent snowfall and strong winds have created potential for slab avalanches on leeward slopes. On Thursday, Czech and Polish rescuers assisted several stranded individuals during a sudden storm.

Maned wolf quadruplets born at Brno Zoo

Brno Zoo has welcomed quadruplets of maned wolves—two males and two females—born in early December. Visitors might already catch a glimpse of the pups in the exhibit, according to zoo spokesperson Věra Müllerová. This is the second litter for the young female wolf, who surprised keepers by mating earlier than expected. The pups, now about two months old and weighing 2.5 kilograms, are still nursing but have started tasting solid food. Maned wolves are the largest canids in South America and are endangered due to habitat loss, road traffic, and illegal hunting for their body parts, believed to have medicinal properties.

Weather

Expect mostly cloudy to overcast weather, with occasional clearing. Temperatures will range from 6 to 11 °C, but areas in northern Bohemia and western Moravia may see temperatures around 3 °C.