Czech news in brief for April 30: Tuesday's top headlines

Czechia has announced increased security measures from April 30 to Sept. 30 in preparation for the Ice Hockey World Championship and other major sports events across Europe. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan confirmed the decision following a cabinet meeting, stating that the terror threat level will remain unchanged. Still, adjustments will be made under the first threat level based on recommendations from the joint intelligence group. Rakušan emphasized that these measures are proactive and not in response to any specific security threats.

The Czech Constitutional Court dismissed a complaint by a Russian woman who was denied entry to a Czech spa due to travel restrictions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The 85-year-old, en route to Mariánské Lázně for a medical stay, encountered obstacles despite residing in the UK for 25 years. The court ruling emphasizes no fundamental right for foreigners to enter the Czech Republic, citing government regulations on entry conditions. Exceptions exist for Russian and Belarusian opposition members and students.

The Czech government has greenlighted a pension reform bill to raise the retirement age and introduce earlier pensions for hazardous work. Proposed changes include reducing new pension calculations and implementing a minimum pension at 20 percent of the average wage. The bill heads to the Chamber of Deputies for debate, with gradual implementation expected from next year. Prime Minister Petr Fiala asserts reform’s necessity for sustainability and predicts average pension growth from CZK 20,000 to over 30,000 by the mid-2030s. Opposition and trade unions oppose the government’s plan.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Prague this afternoon, meeting with Czech coalition politicians as well as representatives from the defense industry. She is campaigning for the liberal-conservative European People’s Party and also met with President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala. Arms companies Czechoslovak Group, Colt CZ Group, and STV Group shared information with von der Leyen on Czech assistance to Ukraine and suggested ways for the EU to support the defense industry.

Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová has criticized opposition ANO leader Andrej Babiš for his opposition to Czechia's ammunition initiative in support of Ukraine. In an open letter, she reminded Babiš that defense and security issues should not be used for political gain. Prime Minister Petr Fiala proposed buying ammunition from non-EU countries at a recent EU summit, with 20 countries now participating. The Czech Republic is spearheading the program and recently announced it had secured 1 million pieces of ammunition for Ukraine.

Czech diplomacy has pledged over CZK 3.5 million to aid Taiwan’s earthquake recovery efforts, the Foreign Ministry said on social network X. Following a seismic event near Hualien with magnitudes ranging from 7.2 to 7.7, the quake caused substantial damage, claiming 14 lives and injuring over a thousand. The Czech Republic extends humanitarian aid globally, including support to Ethiopia and Zambia, and collaborates with NGOs like People in Need and Caritas Czech Republic.

Czech President Petr Pavel and German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier met at Prague Castle Monday to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and security in Israel/Gaza, among other issues. Both leaders emphasized NATO support for Ukraine; Steinmeier said Germany plans a reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin in a few weeks. Pavel praised German support for Ukrainian air defense, while his German counterpart applauded the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition, in which Germany is participating. Both leaders said their countries also shared similar stances on Africa and China.

In response to a fire hazard warning issued by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, authorities in Prague have announced a ban on fires in parks, forests, and gardens. This ban, in effect from Tuesday until Thursday midnight, coincides with Czechia's annual witch-burning festivities (čarodějnice) on the evening of April 30. However, exceptions have been made for organized events that have fire safety measures in place, according to city officials.

According to the Rental Housing Association (ANB), renting remains significantly cheaper than owning a home in the Czech Republic. An ANB analysis found that monthly mortgage payments for a 53-square-meter apartment exceed rent by CZK 7,604. Despite interest rate drops, housing prices are rising, maintaining the economic advantage of renting. Data from Deloitte reveals a one percent increase in average rent to CZK 295 per square meter in Q1, with new building rents highest at CZK 65 above average.

Olomouc Zoo welcomed the birth of rare black-and-white ruffed lemur triplets in mid-April, according to spokeswoman Iveta Gronská. With only 11 cubs of this endangered species bred across European zoos last year, Olomouc stands out as a leading breeder. Zoologist Jitka Vokurková noted the newborns’ healthy development alongside their parents and a sibling from 2023. The zoo has been breeding black-and-white ruffed lemurs since 1990, contributing to conservation efforts as the species faces extinction in its native Madagascar due to habitat loss.