Czech news in brief for January 24: Friday's top headlines

Prague inspects restaurants with outdoor gardens for fire safety, Philip Morris to grow Kutná Hora plant, and Czech film Waves fails to secure Oscar nod.

Expats.cz Staff ČTK

Written by Expats.cz StaffČTK Published on 24.01.2025 08:47:00 (updated on 24.01.2025) Reading time: 3 minutes

environment Czechia finally clears tons of illegal waste

Authorities in Bohumín, Czech Republic, have removed 338 tons of hazardous waste illegally imported from Poland six years ago, regional officials announced. The cleanup, costing CZK 11 million, began Jan. 6 and took 15 days. Flooding in September heightened the risk, prompting action by the Moravian-Silesian Region. The waste was incinerated, and the contaminated site has been cleaned. Officials will seek reimbursement from the Ministry of the Environment.

economy Czech consumer confidence dips

Confidence in the Czech economy fell by 0.3 points to 97.4 in January, the Czech Statistical Office reported. Business optimism rose slightly, driven by industrial growth expectations, but demand issues remain a key challenge. Consumer confidence dropped 3.4 points, reaching its lowest since February 2024, as households reported worsening finances and heightened economic concerns. Despite the decline, overall confidence remains higher than January 2024’s 92.7 points.

crime Czech crime rate dips slightly

The Czech Republic recorded 173,322 crimes in 2023, a 4.5 percent decrease from the previous year, Police President Martin Vondrášek announced. Murders fell to 151, though violent crime rose slightly, driven by threats, stalking, and extortion, often linked to social media. Property crime dropped 6 percent, while economic crime saw a minor uptick. Cybercrime declined marginally, attributed to prevention efforts, accounting for 10.7 percent of crimes.

health Czech kids face obesity problem

Only half of Czech children aged 13 are of normal weight, with 15 percent obese, the Ministry of Health revealed Thursday. To combat rising obesity rates, worsened by COVID-19 restrictions, the Be Fit 24 campaign targets overweight children aged six to 11 years of age. A thousand participants will use a fitness app and bracelet under pediatric supervision. Experts warn obesity can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and developmental and digestive issues.

crime Police detain drug smuggler at Florenc

Prague customs officers arrested a Nigerian man recently for smuggling 16.5 kilograms of drugs, including ecstasy, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Hidden in children's car seats, food tins, and a book, the drugs were discovered at Florenc bus station. Additional ecstasy tablets were found in a bread machine he had shipped earlier. Officials revealed the smuggler's tactics in a press release today, emphasizing the scope of the operation.

Safety Prague inspects restaurants for fire safety

Prague officials and firefighters began inspecting restaurants with front gardens on Old Town Square following a deadly fire in Most, reportedly caused by an overturned heater. The checks, focusing on fire safety compliance and proper heater operation, will continue citywide. Mayor Terezie Radoměřská emphasized the urgency of inspections due to high foot traffic. Authorities also aim to ensure compliance with size regulations for outdoor spaces.

Shooting Minister: Faculty shooting report clears police

A parliamentary committee investigating the Charles University Faculty of Arts shooting found no major faults in the police response, Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said Thursday. While operational shortcomings were noted, he emphasized that the tragedy could not have been prevented. The ministry is implementing recommended measures, including tighter gun laws and better mental health support. ANO party members, however, criticized the report as biased.

Economy Czechia sees record company openings and closures

The Czech Republic saw a record 30,910 new companies established in 2024, the highest since 2019, according to CRIF - Czech Credit Bureau. However, 17,099 companies closed, also a record high. Prague led in both new and defunct companies. Economic challenges, including high energy prices and low demand, slowed overall growth. The construction sector contributed most to new company formations, while trade saw the highest closures.

Industry Philip Morris to expand Kutná Hora plant

Philip Morris Czech Republic will invest around CZK 1 billion to expand its Kutná Hora plant for nicotine pouch production, with completion expected by year-end. The expansion aims to meet rising demand and will create up to 100 new jobs. Company representatives claim nicotine pouches release 99% fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes, though health experts warn of cardiovascular risks and the addictive potential of nicotine.

Culture Czech film Waves fails to secure Oscar nod

Czech films Waves and The Countryman failed to secure Oscar nominations after making it to the shortlist. Despite the setback, the filmmakers see it as a success and plan further festival appearances. Waves, inspired by 1960s journalists, is nominated for the Satellite Awards, while The Countryman aims for the Karlovy Vary festival. French musical Emilia Pérez leads the Oscar race with 13 nominations.

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