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Summary for: Czech news in brief for November 15: Saturday's top morning headlines
New Czech interior, defense ministers named
1️⃣ New Czech interior, defense ministers named
Lubomír Metnar, ex-policeman and former defense minister for ANO, is set to become Czech interior minister, while retired General Jaromír Zůna, nominated by SPD, will lead the defense ministry, sources said Saturday. Both are experienced professionals with previous government or military roles. Their appointments follow coalition negotiations prioritizing non-conflicting leadership of security portfolios amid internal political tensions.
2️⃣ Christmas season kicks off in Brno
Brno officially opened its Christmas markets Friday, attracting thousands to the city center. The festivities featured a devil parade, concerts by Sebastian and Slza, and over 120 market stalls at Zelný trh. A tree lighting ceremony will follow next week. From Dec. 4, the markets will expand to Římské náměstí, with attractions including a Ferris wheel, children’s village, and a light trail inspired by Three Nuts for Cinderella.
3️⃣ Prague Stock Exchange ends week with losses
The Prague Stock Exchange ended the week lower, with the PX index down 0.86 percent to 2,480.93 points Friday, retreating below the 2,500 mark first reached Wednesday. Trading was above average at CZK 850 million. Bank shares led losses, while ČEZ, Kofola, and Philip Morris ČR gained slightly. The Czech crown weakened to CZK 24.18/EUR and CZK 20.82/USD by the close.
4️⃣ Poultry cull continues amid bird flu outbreak
Firefighters in Lanškroun continued culling about 15,500 hens and roosters Friday after bird flu was confirmed at the Mach Drůbež facility earlier this week. The virus killed many of the farm’s 53,000 birds. Crews using protective gear and CO₂ containers have worked for three days, with 90 personnel on site. Officials warn the subtype detected is highly contagious and potentially transmissible to humans.
5️⃣ Farewell to Cardinal Duka takes place at Prague Castle
The last farewell to Cardinal Dominik Duka will be held today at St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, attended by President Petr Pavel, former presidents Miloš Zeman and Václav Klaus, and church delegations from neighboring countries. The service, led by Archbishop Jan Graubner, will feature Dvořák’s Requiem, readings by Jiří Strach, and music by Jaroslav Svěcený. About 30 foreign bishops, including Slovak, Polish, Hungarian, and Ukrainian clergy, are expected.
📊 YESTERDAY'S POLL A new reader poll shows Prague coffee habits lean heavily toward local independent cafés. Among 56 respondents, 82 percent said they usually visit indie shops, 13 percent prefer higher-end cafés like Café Slavia or Café Louvre, and 5 percent stick to big chains such as Starbucks or Costa Coffee. Voting remains open—share your coffee preference here.
