Czech news in brief for December 31: Tuesday's top headlines

Czechia’s general election for the Chamber of Deputies will occur between Sept.12-13 and Oct. 3-4, 2025, with President Petr Pavel setting the exact date by summer. For the first time, citizens abroad can vote by mail, a move praised for accessibility but questioned for constitutional compliance. Approximately 600,000 Czechs live abroad, with 23,000 voting in the 2023 presidential election.

Frost and icy roads are expected on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s morning, with strong winds up to 65 km/h arriving on New Year’s Day, meteorologists warn. Wind advisories will affect several regions, extending to western Bohemia by evening. Icy conditions persist amid freezing fog, but a cold front arriving Thursday will bring subzero highs and potential snow at lower elevations, ending the current inversion.

Czechia reported record levels of mumps, measles, diphtheria, and pertussis in 2024, with the highest mumps cases in seven years and measles in five, health officials said. Diphtheria cases hit a 25-year peak. Vaccination rates among children fell to 87 percent in some cohorts, below herd immunity thresholds. Authorities urge adult pertussis revaccination, with doses administered rising tenfold since 2023. Other infections, including hepatitis C and listeriosis, also surged.

A survey by Ipsos shows that 80 percent of Czechs make New Year’s resolutions, with weight loss, diet changes, and regular exercise topping the list. Women focus more on weight loss, while young people aim to tone up. However, over half admit they fail to keep resolutions, citing time, energy, or money constraints. Experts note increasing obesity rates and emphasize regular moderate exercise for health improvement.

Czech revenue stamps lose their value after today, marking the end of their use since 1854. Stamps can be redeemed at Czech Post branches for 95% of their nominal value. The government phased out the stamps, citing declining usage and costs. Once used for fees, revenue stamps have been replaced by electronic payments. Similar systems were abolished earlier in Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia.

Czechs are marking New Year’s Eve with runs, hikes, and gatherings at landmarks. Prague is set to host celebrations despite bans on pyrotechnics in key areas. Cities offer alternatives like light shows, while restaurants tempt with festive menus. Churches hold thanksgiving masses, and some castles and theaters remain open. Authorities are bracing for fires and injuries from fireworks, urging safety. Festivities continue into New Year’s Day with discounts at attractions.

The Summer Olympics and autumn floods were the most Googled topics in the Czech Republic in 2024, followed by elections and the World Ice Hockey Championship. The StarDance competition also drew significant interest. Search trends revealed ongoing confusion about shop closures on public holidays. The data reflects a mix of sports enthusiasm, civic engagement, and cultural interests among Czech residents, according to ČT24.

Czech scientist Martin Mašek has discovered a comet, marking the first such discovery in the country in 24 years. Dubbed MAS0019, it was identified via remote observations from the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina on Christmas night. This is only the second comet found by a Czech astronomer since 1993. The comet’s official name will be announced in two weeks.