Czech news in brief for February 5: Wednesday's top headlines

Czech pharmacists warn of TikTok challenge, Czechia could join EU lawsuit against Hungary, BBC nominates Czech Philharmonic for orchestra of year.

Expats.cz Staff ČTK

Written by Expats.cz StaffČTK Published on 05.02.2025 07:31:00 (updated on 05.02.2025) Reading time: 3 minutes

crime Czech police warn against fraud SMSs

Czech police have today warned against fraudulent SMS messages claiming to be from emergency line 158. The messages falsely state that a criminal complaint has been filed against the recipient and include a malicious link. Authorities urge people not to click the link and to warn others, and to delete the message while blocking the number. This scam, known as spoofing, mimics trusted sources to steal personal data. A similar fraud targeted health insurance recipients last September. 

politics ANO keeps wide lead in polls

The opposition ANO movement remains the most popular Czech party, leading the Together (Spolu) coalition and the Mayors and Independents (STAN), according to a late January poll by research firm Ipsos. ANO would secure 36.7 percent of the vote, while Together and STAN would receive 20.5 percent and 10.2 percent respectively. Several smaller parties hover near the 5 percent parliamentary threshold. Voter turnout is projected at 63 percent.

diplomacy Czechia may soon get ambassador to Syria

The Czech Republic’s diplomatic mission in Syria may soon return to ambassadorial status, but only after elections in the country, said Vítězslav Pivonka, the future head of the Czech mission. He noted that a legal step is required to present credentials, and a new president will likely be elected. Syria’s interim government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is set to rule until March 1 following the collapse of dictator Bashar Assad’s regime.

politics Czech PM meets, criticizes Slovak counterpart

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala informally met Slovak counterpart Robert Fico at an EU summit Monday, expressing dissatisfaction over Fico’s criticism of Czech politicians and media. Fico accused Czechia of interfering in Slovakia’s affairs, a claim Fiala and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský rejected. Despite tensions, Fiala emphasized maintaining standard communication between the two nations, reaffirming strong societal ties and necessary political cooperation. Last March, the Czech government suspended Czech-Slovak intergovernmental consultations.

religion Czechia may cancel Jehovah's Witnesses

The Czech Culture Ministry has warned the Jehovah’s Witnesses Religious Society to cease alleged illegal activities or face possible deregistration. Officials say complaints accuse the group of harming social ties and denying minors necessary medical care. The ministry outlined five violations that were to be addressed within three months, but they remain unresolved. The complaints against Jehovah's Witnesses concern alleged damage to people's social ties and families. Formal administrative proceedings have not yet begun.

Diplomacy Czech, Portuguese presidents to meet at Castle

Czech President Petr Pavel will meet Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa today at Prague Castle to discuss the war in Ukraine, cooperation with Africa and South America, the new U.S. administration, and bilateral ties in trade, security, culture, and science. Rebelo de Sousa, on his first official visit to Czechia, will also meet top officials and visit Charles University, the National Technical Museum, and Strahov Monastery.

Safety Czech pharmacists warn of TikTok challenge

The Czech Chamber of Pharmacists (ČLnK) has warned of a dangerous TikTok challenge encouraging children to overdose on paracetamol, risking permanent liver damage or death. ČLnK President Aleš Krebs urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity. Overdosing symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The chamber advocates restricting paracetamol sales to pharmacies only, but the Health Ministry has not supported the proposal.

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Legislation Czech govt. to review terrorist threat system

The Czech government will discuss a new four-level terrorism threat assessment system today, replacing the current model from 2016. It will also consider applying the second threat level, marked “B,” until the end of 2025. Other agenda items include an amendment allowing temporary ID cards for elections, updates on the National Recovery Plan, a draft law on electronic communication evidence, and support measures for early potato growers.

Visegrad Czechia could join EU lawsuit against Hungary

The Czech Republic has applied to join the European Commission’s lawsuit against Hungary at the Court of Justice of the EU, Foreign Ministry spokesman Daniel Drake confirmed. The case challenges Hungary’s “sovereignty protection” law, which the EC claims violates human rights. The law restricts foreign funding of political parties, enables investigations without appeal, and is criticized for suppressing opposition. Twelve other EU countries are reportedly considering involvement.

Culture Czech Philharmonic nominated for orchestra of year

The Czech Philharmonic has been nominated for Orchestra of the Year by BBC Music Magazine, following its recent win from Gramophone magazine, spokesman Ludek Brezina said. The nomination recognizes the orchestra's recording of Smetana's My Country, conducted by Semyon Bychkov. Public voting runs through Feb. 28 on the magazine’s website. The BBC Music Magazine Awards have honored classical music excellence since 2006.

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