Czech news in brief for November 22: Saturday's top morning headlines

Czech Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil met top Vietnamese officials in Hanoi to deepen political, economic and cultural cooperation. The delegation discussed trade, tourism, education and nuclear expertise, and signed a memorandum between both countries’ diplomatic academies. Vystrčil also met members of the Vietnamese community linked to Czechia, highlighting long-standing ties. Senators will visit a Škoda Auto plant before returning Saturday.

The incoming coalition of ANO, SPD, and Motorists faces opposition from the Finance and Labour ministries over its plan to halt next year’s rise in social contributions for self-employed workers. Ministries warn the move could reduce pensions, widen inequality with employees, and cost up to CZK 3.5 billion annually. The coalition, however, has sufficient votes in parliament to push the measure through.

Václav Noid Bárta won the male singer category at the Český slavík awards, with Marek Ztracený second and Vojtěch Dyk third. Ewa Farna repeated as top female singer and also became the overall winner. Kabát led the bands category, and rapper Calin won hip hop/rap for the third consecutive year. Renne Dang was named Discovery of the Year. Vladimír Mišík was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Residents in the Cheb and Sokolov districts felt a series of weak earthquakes Thursday evening and again today, with the strongest reaching magnitude 2.6, according to the Geophysical Institute. More tremors may follow, the institute said, noting over two dozen reports from locals. The region last recorded stronger activity on Sept. 25, when quakes reached magnitude 2.8.

A new CEDMO survey finds Czechs and Slovaks underestimate harassment and discrimination faced by LGBT people in their countries, despite EU data showing higher rates in Czechia. Respondents were more accepting when they knew LGBT people personally, but many believed misinformation about marriage equality and its impact on families. The June survey polled 2,856 people in Czechia and 1,526 in Slovakia.