Czech news in brief for July 10: Friday's top afternoon headlines

Good afternoon, tomorrow's all-Czech Wimbledon final is the talk of the town, and we can't wait to see what kind of beautiful show the clash between Linda Nosková and Karolína Muchová will create. Regardless of the outcome, Czechia's status as a tennis powerhouse is set, secure and well established.

Meanwhile we're entering cucumber season as the summer haze sets in. Still a few news items worth mentioning, so here's a wrap-up of what happened today.

The Chamber of Deputies today approved a government-backed amendment to the Building Act intended, according to its supporters, to cut bureaucratic red tape and speed up building procedures and permits. The new law, which has been the subject of debates and discussions for over half a year, should come into effect from next year.

What's new? The main change is based on the establishment of a "super-office" in charge of planning and building permits in order to centralize decision-making and accelerate permit applications.

The Czech Army has completed the renewal of its tank arsenal, taking over the last of 42 German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks to replace its ageing Soviet-made T-72 models. Czechia plans to purchase another 44 Leopard tanks by 2030, with Defense Minister Jaromir Zůna reminding that "Leopard tanks are among the most widespread types of tanks in NATO" and that their purchase strengthens the Czech army's compatibility with its Western allies.

Old machines go to waste. "We don't have spare parts for them. In fact, this type of tank doesn't even meet the basic standards required by the [NATO] alliance," Chief of the General Staff Miroslav Hlaváč said about Czechia's old Soviet-era tanks.

The leadership of the right-wing ODS party has called on Filip Dvořák, its candidate for mayor of Prague 1, to step down from the race and withdraw his candidacy. The call comes after Dvořák failed to properly explain how his father had earned CZK 230 million which he himself later inherited. "Filip Dvořák was given the opportunity to express his views on the matter both publicly and to the ODS leadership. He has not done so yet," the statement reads.

Not the first time. Just weeks ago, the candidate of the ruling ANO movement for Prague mayor also dropped out of the race and withdrew from politics following a number of scandals about his property assets and financial situation.

Held until now in Kutna Hora, one of the Czech Republic's best independent music festivals is coming to Prague for the first time this weekend. With a quality lineup and the Štvanice island setting, Creepy Teepee 2026 promises to be a milestone edition for the artist-run fest. The festival runs from Friday to Sunday.

The whirlwind of movie stars and global celebrities continues as the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival prepares to wrap up its 60th edition. On Friday, U.S. actor Kevin Bacon arrived in the Western Bohemian town with his wife and children to present the film Family Movie, in which all the Bacons starred, soon followed by actor Jeffrey Wright, set to receive the KVIFF President's Award later today.

KVIFF comes to Prague. And don't forget: some of the best movies from Vary are coming to Prague and Brno cinemas next week. All the info in the link below.