Czech news in brief for April 22: Tuesday's top headlines

Health Minister Vlastimil Válek on Tuesday backed a proposal allowing patients in Czechia to pay for enhanced medical care, likening it to current practices for glasses or medication. The plan, supported by two coalition parties, would let patients cover the cost difference for more comfortable treatments. Some coalition partners voiced concerns, while opposition parties ANO and the Freedom and Direct Democracy party opposed the measure. Parliament's support remains uncertain, though.

The Czech Republic recorded 44,486 weddings in 2023, the second lowest number since 1918, according to preliminary data from the Czech Statistical Office. Only 2013 had fewer marriages. Despite the decline, marriages between Czechs and foreigners rose, hitting 15 percent the previous year. Divorce rates stayed below 40 percent for the fourth consecutive year. Statisticians note that married individuals tend to have lower mortality rates, partly due to healthier individuals being more likely to marry.

Despite stable hiring activity in early 2025, Czech employers continue to face a shortage of qualified workers, according to job portal operator Alma Career. In the first quarter of 2025, over 113,000 job ads were posted, with a 10-percent rise in applicants. However, employers say many candidates lack the necessary skills, particularly in technical fields, healthcare, and social care. Analysts warn of a persistent mismatch between labor supply and demand, despite signs of growing interest in open positions.

Four Czech special forces members have been charged over the 2018 death of Afghan soldier Wahidullah Khan, who fatally shot Czech dog handler Tomáš Procházka at Shindand Air Base. Khan died after interrogation by Czech troops. Two soldiers face charges of using violence and disobeying orders; the other two are charged with failing to provide assistance and breaching service rules. Soldiers recorded the interrogation, then deleted it. Authorities recovered the deleted footage. The case is being handled under a special regime by the Regional Court in Brno; full details are undisclosed.

Two people died in traffic accidents across the Czech Republic during the extended Easter weekend, tying last year's record low for the holiday, police said. Despite increased road traffic, Friday and Sunday saw no fatalities. A cyclist died Saturday, and a man was found in a burned vehicle Monday. Authorities noted ongoing patrols, numerous violations, and 12 serious injuries. Pre-Easter days were deadlier, with 12 fatalities on Wednesday and Thursday.

Czech lawmakers resumed debate Monday on a sweeping criminal law reform aimed at easing prison overcrowding and reducing state costs. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek said the bill would increase the use of fines instead of prison sentences, excluding serious violent crimes. The reform also proposes decriminalizing small-scale cannabis cultivation and reducing penalties for alimony defaulters and online speech. Tougher measures are planned for hate crimes and deepfake pornography. Amendments can be submitted during the second reading.

Cardinal Dominik Duka praised Pope Francis’ global focus on poverty and aid, calling it a major legacy in remarks to Czech Television. The emeritus Prague archbishop highlighted Francis' grassroots approach, shaped by the Latin American Church. Duka, who will not vote in the next papal conclave due to age, said Francis made emotionally driven decisions that positively influenced society and refocused the Church’s mission toward the world’s most vulnerable.

Intense storms swept through the southern and eastern Bohemian-Moravian Highlands on Monday, dropping over 30 millimeters of rain in a short period. Jemnice recorded 34 millimeters within an hour, meteorologists said. While storms are unlikely through Wednesday morning, forecasters expect increased cloud cover and possible thunderstorms in the Beskydy region later Wednesday. Isolated storms and showers may follow across the Czech Republic in the afternoon and evening, according to the forecast.

Prague has begun testing 5G technology to monitor and manage traffic near the Blanka Tunnel and Prague 6 ring road exits, officials said Tuesday. The project aims to optimize traffic light control and improve response to disruptions. Autonomous detectors will collect real-time data, enabling better regulation of vehicle entry points. Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib said the system should help maintain smooth traffic flow amid rising car numbers in the capital and during emergencies.

Prague 10 will restore its emergency medical service in mid-January, three years after it was canceled due to financial concerns, officials announced Tuesday. The city district has issued a tender for an operator and plans to fund the service from its own budget, seeking municipal subsidies as well. The move aims to improve healthcare access, with services running evenings and weekends. The original facilities closed in 2019, forcing residents to rely on hospitals in other districts.