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Summary for: Czech news in brief for November 12: Wednesday's top morning headlines
Pavel to meet Babiš on government program
1️⃣ Pavel to meets Babiš on government program
President Petr Pavel will meet Andrej Babiš today at Prague Castle to review the proposed coalition government program from ANO, SPD, and Motorists. Pavel will also seek clarification on how Babiš plans to address conflict-of-interest concerns related to his Agrofert holdings. The discussion comes ahead of the live broadcast of any statements on Wednesday. The president emphasizes alignment with EU law, NATO security, and democratic institutions as key priorities.
2️⃣ Organized crime raid leads to 11 arrests
Police detained eleven people Tuesday in raids targeting alleged corruption in public contracts at the Directorate of Roads and Highways (ŘSD), the Ministry of Regional Development, and Pardubice waterworks, Deník N reported. Prosecutors in Pardubice are overseeing the case, which concerns alleged favoritism in contract awards by an organized group. Authorities have not disclosed details, but further arrests and scrutiny of past tenders are expected.
4️⃣ Kratom sales in Czechia restricted from today
Starting Wednesday, kratom will only be sold to adults in 17 licensed Czech shops, as new government rules ban vending machine and online sales. The Ministry of Health said the change aims to ensure safe, regulated access and block sales to minors. Inspectors will monitor compliance nationwide. Unlicensed sales will be treated as misdemeanors or crimes, testing the country’s new psychomodulatory substances law.
5️⃣ AI gigafactory plan set to be approved today
The government will on Wednesday approve a plan to compete for an EU-funded AI gigafactory, aiming to host one of five massive data centers in Europe. The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to submit the official bid to the European Commission in January, proposing a site in Prague’s Zbraslav district. If awarded, the CZK 90 billion project could cement Czechia’s role in Europe’s AI infrastructure boom.
3️⃣ Northern Lights could be visible tonight
Stargazers across Czechia could witness a rare northern lights display Wednesday night, as solar flares send charged particles toward Earth, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said. The event marks the strongest aurora potential this year, though fog at lower altitudes may obscure views. Visibility should improve in higher regions and mountains. Meteorologists urge patience; the exact timing and intensity remain uncertain as solar activity continues.
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