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migration Illegal immigration into Czechia drops
Police in Czechia reported a decrease in illegal migration, with 9,461 people detained in 2024, a 32 percent drop from 2023. The decline was driven by a 91 percent reduction in transit migration, with most detained migrants being Ukrainians, Moldovans, and Vietnamese. Authorities credit border checks and international cooperation for the trend, which has helped reduce migration along the Western Balkan route by 72 percent. Due to the large increase in transit migration, the Czech Republic temporarily introduced checks at the borders with Slovakia in 2022 and 2023.
employment Unions threaten strike over Labor Code change
Czech trade unions may prepare for a general strike if a proposal allowing employers to fire workers without reason is approved, leader of ČMKOS (the country’s largest umbrella trade union) Josef Středula has said. The Labor Code change, backed by politicians from coalition parties, is opposed by unions, opposition parties, and some government members. Středula warned it threatens democracy and worker protections, arguing it could punish employees for criticizing management or exposing wrongdoing.
housing New-apartment sales in Prague soar
Sales of new apartments in Prague soared 80 percent in 2024, reaching 7,200 units—the second-highest total in 15 years, developers reported. Prague 9 saw the most sales, while average prices hit record highs, with new units averaging CZK 163,203 per square meter. Lower mortgage rates fueled demand, with loans rising 83 percent year-on-year. Smaller apartments dominated sales, while luxury units also saw increased demand, according to data from developers Central Group, Skanska Residential, and Trigema.
crime Man charged for Zlín bus station fire
Police arrested a 29-year-old man overnight for allegedly setting fire to a bar at Zlin’s bus station Tuesday afternoon. The suspect, accused of grievous bodily harm and endangering public safety, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, police said. One person suffered second-degree burns and was hospitalized. Authorities are investigating the motive and damage caused. Criminal proceedings, including witness hearings, are underway, police said. The motive remains unclear.
Legislation MPs to debate controversial job dismissal law
A proposed labor law amendment allowing dismissal without cause, with at least double severance pay, is nearing final approval in the Czech Chamber of Deputies. The change, backed by ODS and TOP 09, would exclude certain protected groups. Critics, including opposition parties and some coalition MPs, argue it weakens worker protections. Lawmakers also debated new election campaign finance rules.
crime Flaming object thrown into bar injures one
A fire broke out in a Zlín bus station bar Tuesday after an unknown object was thrown inside, injuring one person with second-degree burns. Firefighters quickly contained the flames. Police arrested a 29-year-old man last night in connection with the incident; he faces ten years in prison if found guilty. This week's fire follows a deadly restaurant blaze in Most earlier this month. Authorities continue investigating the cause and extent of the damage.
Society Child helpline sees rise in mental-health calls
The Linka bezpeci helpline for children and youths received over 102,000 calls in 2024, a 13 percent increase from the previous year. Nearly 6,000 calls involved suicide concerns, and 5,000 addressed self-harm. Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders were common topics. Only half of callers got through on their first try, prompting the helpline to urge persistence.
Dissidents Havel posthumously awarded human-rights prize
The Václav Benda Prize for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights was awarded to 16 recipients, including former President Václav Havel and historian Václav Veber in memoriam. Other honorees included politician Petr Pithart and journalist Eda Kriseová. The prize, awarded since 2008, recognizes those who fought for democracy in Czechoslovakia. This year’s awards focused on surviving political prisoners from the 1950s.
Culture Rattle marks 70th birthday with Janáček in Prague
Conductor Simon Rattle will celebrate his 70th birthday by leading the Czech Philharmonic in Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass at Prague’s Rudolfinum from Jan. 29-31. The program also features Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances. Soloists include Iwona Sobotka and Pavel Černoch, with the Prague Philharmonic Choir. Rattle, recently named principal guest conductor, continues his long-standing collaboration with the orchestra.
