Czech news in brief for February 19: Thursday's top afternoon headlines

President Petr Pavel will officially appoint Igor Červený as Minister of the Environment on Monday morning. The decision follows a meeting at Prague Castle where the two discussed nature conservation, water management, and climate change. Pavel noted that Červený does not face the same controversies as previous candidates. The appointment will complete Andrej Babiš’s cabinet, ending the temporary dual leadership of the ministry by the Foreign Minister.

A new report on addictions reveals that 70 percent of Czech students under 18 find alcohol and nicotine products easily accessible. While overall consumption among youth is gradually declining, risk levels remain high, with 23 percent of 15-year-olds reporting repeated experience with intoxication. National monitoring coordinators emphasize that high availability and social acceptance of these substances continue to pose significant challenges for public health and prevention efforts.

Over 1,700 same-sex couples entered into the new "Partnership" status last year, significantly outperforming the previous registered partnership model. The Ministry of Interior reports that while the old system averaged 300 to 400 unions annually, the updated legal framework has seen higher interest due to expanded rights. These include improved provisions for joint property, inheritance, and widow's pensions, offering couples greater legal security and recognition under Czech law.

The number of new book titles published in the Czech Republic fell by 2 percent annually to approximately 12,100, according to the Association of Czech Booksellers and Publishers. Despite the decrease in volume, total consumer spending on books rose as production costs drove up retail prices. To stimulate sales, the "Big Book Thursday" campaign launched today, featuring ten high-profile new releases across various genres in bookstores nationwide.

Lego has announced the opening of its second official store in the Czech Republic, located on Prague's prestigious Na Příkopě street. The new two-story flagship branch will focus on exclusive editions and the latest product launches. The expansion aims to serve the high local demand for the brand while providing an immersive experience for enthusiasts and tourists in the capital's historic shopping district later this year.