Czech news in brief for December 9: Monday's top headlines

The Czech Health Ministry proposes extending the ban on HHC and other cannabinoids indefinitely, citing the need to protect children’s health. The current ban expires at year’s end, but regulatory delays hinder implementing a new law set for January. Critics, including drug policy experts, warn the move could foster a black market and urge a regulated market by March. The government is set to debate the proposal soon.

Czech private rail operator RegioJet has been ranked the third-best passenger railway in Europe, according to a Transport and Environment study. Italy's Trenitalia and Switzerland's SBB took the top spots, while Czech Railways placed sixth. RegioJet excelled in fare prices and passenger comfort but scored poorly on bicycle transportation. The ranking, based on eight factors including ticket pricing and punctuality, found Eurostar to be the worst-rated carrier.

Following the collapse of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime Sunday Prime Minister Petr Fiala has warned of security risks for Europe while noting potential opportunities for Syrian stability and the return of refugees. Following a meeting with President Petr Pavel, Fiala emphasized the situation’s uncertainty, citing rebel dynamics and power restructuring. He urged hopes for Syrian freedom and stability, avoiding chaos or terrorism, as Islamist forces advance in the region.

Charles University is bolstering security measures across its faculties, dormitories, and canteens following last year’s tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts that left 14 dead and 25 injured. Rector Milena Králíčková said the plan includes a crisis notification system, drills, and physical security updates where feasible. Older buildings, like the historic Karolinum, face limitations. Implementation is underway to safeguard the university's 50,000 students and 11,000 staff.

The Czech Republic has evacuated its diplomatic staff from Damascus to Lebanon, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said. Three Czech citizens in Syria are being registered for EU-coordinated evacuation. Lipavský warned against travel to Syria and urged those there to leave. He also noted concerns about rebel group HTS, labeled a terrorist organization by the EU and UN, and called for a peaceful resolution to prevent mass migration.

Police are searching for Filip Černý, 47, who disappeared after leaving Prague for the Krkonoše Mountains yesterday morning. He was last seen wearing ski sportswear and planned to return home that evening. Authorities have searched potential locations along his route but found no trace. The public is urged to report any information to line 158 or the nearest police station. Černý is described as 170–180 cm tall and not dangerous.

Czechs increasingly opt for festive Christmas Eve dinners at restaurants, despite rising food costs, according to the Association of Hotels and Restaurants. Luxurious venues report being fully booked weeks in advance, catering to families seeking a stress-free holiday. Traditional menus remain popular, though some prefer unique offerings like snails. Delivery services see limited demand for traditional Czech meals, with many choosing fast food or Asian cuisine instead.

Civic Democrats (ODS) leader Marek Benda dismissed the Motorists party's ambition to surpass ODS in the next parliamentary elections, calling it unrealistic. Speaking on Nova TV, Benda expressed confidence in Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s leadership of the Together coalition. Motorists leader Petr Macinka defended the party’s goals, citing past successes. Benda also ruled out cooperation with opposition leader Andrej Babiš, warning smaller parties against aligning with him.

A report by the Czech Academy of Sciences reveals that the Czech Republic has the lowest representation of women in science among EU countries. Women hold only 13.5 percent of leadership roles in research institutions and make up just 28.7 percent of R&D workers, despite constituting 52 percent of the EU's scientific workforce. Societal norms, motherhood, and gender bias are cited as key barriers to advancing women’s participation in scientific fields.