Czech news in brief for February 13: Thursday's top headlines

A survey by the STEM analytical institute for Nekrachni found that 45 percent of Czech students in secondary and second-level elementary schools use AI tools, with the ChatGPT (89 percent) software being the most popular, followed by Photomath. Many students find lessons dull and struggle to focus, wishing for more debates and technology in teaching. While a third faced AI restrictions from teachers, only 24 percent received AI-based assignments. Traditional materials remain dominant, though online resources are growing.

Czechs view societal life more positively than last year, a STEM agency survey reveals, with improvements in legal recourse, civil liberties, and future prospects. However, dissatisfaction persists, with 68 percent criticizing Prime Minister Petra Fiala’s government and 58 percent rating young family living conditions poorly. Municipal authorities and healthcare received the highest marks. While optimism has grown in some areas, the overall outlook remains more pessimistic than in 2016-2019, the survey notes.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Sudani met Tuesday in Prague, strengthening trade and security ties. Iraq could become a key oil supplier to Czechia, aligning with efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy. Talks also covered defense cooperation, including servicing Czech-made L-159 aircraft used by Iraq. Both nations signed agreements on oil imports, security, aviation services, and environmental cooperation.

Europe will likely play a role in Ukraine peace talks despite direct negotiations between U.S. and Russian leaders, Czech experts say. A phone call Wednesday between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin signaled Trump’s preference for personal diplomacy. European leaders insist negotiations must include Ukraine. While some fear U.S.-Russia dominance, analysts believe NATO allies will push for involvement to prevent decisions being made without Kyiv’s input.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský summoned Russia’s ambassador Monday over threats made against Senator Miroslava Nemcova following a fake social media post. Lipavsky condemned Russia’s “information war” and affirmed Czechia’s stance against intimidation. Meanwhile, political shifts loom as the opposition ANO party, seen as pro-Moscow, eyes power. Separately, debates continue over social benefits reform, sparking criticism of Minister Marian Jurecka’s handling of the policy overhaul.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies voted Wednesday night to lift opposition leader Tomio Okamura’s immunity, allowing his prosecution over controversial election posters. Police allege the SPD party’s billboards, opposing the EU migration pact, incited hatred and restricted rights. SPD lawmakers defended the ads as free speech during a four-hour debate. Okamura denies wrongdoing, calling the case politically motivated.

The Czech Republic will experience freezing temperatures and light snow this weekend, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Nighttime lows could drop to minus 13 degrees Celsius, especially in the north. Daytime temperatures will remain near or below freezing. Saturday will see increasing cloud cover with scattered snow, particularly in the mountains, while Sunday may bring clearing skies after light snowfall in the north and northeast.

The Czech Republic will donate over 640,000 pieces of protective equipment to Rwanda from state reserves to help fight Marburg virus, officials announced Tuesday. The gear, including suits, gloves, and goggles, comes in response to Rwanda’s request for aid through the EU. The outbreak, which infected 66 and killed 15, was declared over in December. Czech officials reaffirmed their commitment to international humanitarian efforts.

Josef Mužík, the Czech Republic’s most famous treasure hunter, died Tuesday in Prague at age 76, his family confirmed. Mužík spent decades searching for the legendary Štěchovice treasure—gold and Nazi-era documents rumored to be buried near Prague. Despite extensive efforts, his searches were unsuccessful. A public memorial is planned for Feb. 23 near Hradištek, where much of his work took place.

The Czech Republic has provided Ukraine with CZK 6.8 million in free material aid from state reserves in 2024, Regional Development Minister Petr Kulhanek said Wednesday. The government had approved up to CZK 100 million in humanitarian aid for 2024. Last year’s aid included five heavy bridge sets, according to the State Material Reserves Administration. Officials say support for Ukraine will continue this year.