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

Andrej Babiš will be appointed Czech prime minister for the third time on Tuesday after nearly four years out of office. President Petr Pavel is expected to name the rest of the ANO-SPD-Motorists government within days.

Babiš, 71, announced steps to resolve his conflict-of-interest concerns involving Agrofert, and the coalition is standing behind its nominee for environment minister, Filip Turek, despite controversy. The new government may be in place before next week’s EU summit.

Nearly one-third of Czech weather stations recorded new high temperatures for Dec. 8, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Records fell at 53 of 172 stations that have been active for at least 30 years, with the warmest reading in Žatec at 15 degrees Celsius. Prague’s historic Klementinum station also hit a new high. Above-average temperatures are expected throughout the week, accompanied by little precipitation and warm, sunny conditions, mainly across Bohemia.

Experts are urging households to install detectors and not skip boiler inspections as carbon monoxide poisoning rises with the heating season. Five people in Příbram were hospitalized on Wednesday after exposure to the odorless, invisible gas. Early symptoms include weakness, rapid breathing, and a racing heartbeat. Specialists say that opening a window quickly and getting fresh air is critical because carbon monoxide can be fatal within minutes when undetected.

A majority of Czechs want harsher sentences for criminals, though only one-third believe stiff penalties prevent reoffending, a survey by the Institute of Criminology and Social Prevention found. Nearly three-quarters support tougher punishment, most often women, seniors, and those who feel unsafe. The stance persists despite crime dropping from 289,000 cases a decade ago to 173,000 in 2024. Researchers say perceptions are shaped by media coverage of violent crimes rather than statistics.

German media are warning holiday travelers about hepatitis A risks at Prague’s Christmas markets amid the Czech Republic’s worst outbreak in decades. More than 2,880 infections and 31 deaths have been reported this year, far higher than last year. Tabloid Bild called the danger “deadly,” while Tagesschau said basic hygiene and vaccination reduce risk. Germany’s Foreign Ministry is advising travelers to wash their hands frequently and consider vaccination before visiting.