Czech news in brief for January 14: Wednesday's top morning headlines

A 13-year-old Czech boy from Prague died on Tuesday after being caught in an avalanche while skiing off-piste at the Sportgastein resort in Austria’s High Tauern mountains. Rescuers pulled him from the snow and attempted resuscitation for about 45 minutes, but were unsuccessful. The Czech Foreign Ministry said the embassy in Vienna is in contact with Austrian police and has offered consular assistance. Authorities warned of unstable snow conditions in the area.

Czech MPs are expected to vote later today on a confidence motion for the coalition government led by Andrej Babiš. The debate began Tuesday in the Chamber of Deputies, with ministers presenting the government’s program and opposition leaders responding. The coalition of ANO, SPD, and Motorists holds a clear majority in the 200-seat chamber, meaning the cabinet is expected to secure enough votes to remain in office.

A 20 percent tax on sugar-sweetened drinks could reduce obesity and save over CZK 1 billion in healthcare costs over ten years, according to a study by the Health Ministry–linked think tank. The analysis estimates lower consumption would prevent thousands of chronic disease cases and hundreds of deaths. The Food Chamber criticized the proposal, arguing education and voluntary reformulation are more effective. The study notes the findings are based on model estimates rather than exact predictions.

Golden Lane, one of the most visited sites at Prague Castle, remained closed to tourists on Tuesday due to dangerous black ice affecting large parts of Czechia. Castle officials said the closure was necessary to protect visitors on the cobblestone path. The Botanical Garden in Prague’s Troja district was also closed for the day, citing severe icy conditions that could endanger public safety. Visitors were advised to check official updates before planning trips.

Most major retail chains in Czechia have stopped selling eggs from cage farms, according to findings by Animal Rights Watch. The COOP group is the main exception, with cage eggs still available in dozens of its stores despite a pledge made in 2018. Other large retailers have already removed such products from their shelves. A nationwide ban on cage farming of laying hens is set to take effect in 2027.