Czech news in brief for April 21: Monday's top headlines

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping education, with one in three primary school students using AI tools regularly, according to Tomáš Lintner, educational researcher at the Syri Institute, a research organization. His research highlights a growing trend among students to focus on AI skills rather than traditional subject knowledge. Lintner also notes a lack of guidance for teachers on integrating AI into curricula. As AI becomes more prevalent, Lintner emphasizes the need to build resilience in students against technological threats.

Recent data reveals that despite soaring real estate prices, around 86 percent of Czech residents still aspire to own their own home. However, the dream is becoming increasingly out of reach, leading to a surge in rental demand. According to a survey by research firm Ipsos, the number of renters has reached its highest level in 17 years. Surveys contradict claims that the younger Generation Z prefers renting, as Czechs continue to prioritize the stability and financial security that comes with home ownership.

Prague’s long-awaited Metro D line won’t open until late 2034, city officials confirmed this week. The extension, linking Pankrác to Písnice, remains under construction as crews completed a key connecting tunnel this week. Lack of funding is the main reason for the delay. The project, delayed for several years, marks the first new line since Metro B opened nearly 50 years ago. The last major extension, Metro A to Motol, opened in 2015. A recent antitrust ruling has challenged the supplier contract.

Police discovered a burning car with a dead body inside Monday morning in an abandoned area near Brno’s main train station, officials confirmed. The vehicle was located between Uhelná and Trnitá streets. Authorities have not yet determined whether the person died accidentally or was the victim of a crime. Forensic experts are investigating the cause of death and whether the car crashed or was moved to the scene, police spokesman Bohumil Malášek told Czech media outlet Novinky.cz.

Warm, sunny weather will dominate the Czech Republic through midweek, with highs above 20 degrees Celsius, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Thunderstorms and possible hail may hit southern and eastern Bohemia and western Moravia Monday evening. Clouds and rain are expected from Thursday, with a significant drop in temperatures by Friday. Weekend highs should stay below 15 degrees Celsius, and mountain areas may even see snow as night temperatures dip below freezing.

Only 25 percent of Czechs actively observe the Easter Monday tradition of pomlázka whipping, a folk custom meant to bring health and vitality, according to a survey from market research company NMS. While once widespread, the practice—where men symbolically whip women with willow rods—has declined in popularity, with a quarter of respondents not celebrating Easter at all. Despite this, events like Telč’s folk parade, egg decorating at Šrámek’s farm, and an egg hunt at Brno’s Stiassni villa keep festive traditions alive.

Significant storms may hit the Highlands and southwest Moravia Monday afternoon and evening, possibly including a supercell, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warned on X. These could be the first major storms of the year, advancing from Austria to the northeast. While storms are expected only in limited areas, meteorologists caution that organized systems and even a tornado cannot be ruled out. Elsewhere in the country, conditions remain mostly clear with highs around 22 degrees Celsius and occasional evening showers.

Apartment prices in the Czech Republic rose 13 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching an average of CZK 103,473 per square meter, according to real estate site Bezrealitky.cz. Rents increased 11 percent annually. In Prague, apartment prices climbed 12 percent year-on-year to CZK 139,715 per square meter, while rents remained steady. Family house prices rose about 10 percent nationally, with Prague seeing a 12 percent annual gain. Analysts note strong demand for quality brick houses, while panel flats remain open to negotiation due to overvaluation concerns.

The Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party ranked third for the first time in a new STEM poll released Monday, narrowly overtaking the Mayors and Independents with 11.1 percent support. ANO led with 33 percent, followed by the Together coalition at 19.8 percent. The Pirates, Enough!, and Motorists would also enter the Chamber of Deputies. STEM attributes SPD’s gain to alliances with protest parties. ANO showed a 1.4-point rebound, while support for the Together coalition remained steady.

Four Czech hikers were rescued by helicopter Saturday after being stranded by sudden bad weather on Austria’s Grossvenediger mountain, Austrian media outlet ORF reported. The group, aged 42 to 51, had planned to climb the peak after overnighting near the Neue Prager Hutte but were forced to take shelter at the uninhabited Old Prague Hut. Rescuers also assisted three Chinese hikers on the same route, guiding them to the bivouac. No injuries were reported in the High Tauern mountain rescue.