Czech news in brief for November 25: Monday's top headlines

A poll by polling firm NMS Market Research shows most Czechs support the planned deposit system for PET bottles and cans, with younger generations overwhelmingly in favor, while the oldest generation opposes it. Approved by parliament in October, the system could start in 2026. Around seven in 10 respondents would consistently return packaging under the system, even among those who currently do not sort waste. Women showed slightly more support than men.

According to a survey by the Czech National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ) and the Institute of Sexology at Prague’s General Faculty Hospital, 8.8 percent of Czechs have paraphilic sexual preferences that could lead to non-consensual acts, such as rape, immobilization, or touching strangers. One-third of those affected reported needing therapy, though only 7 percent sought help. Paraphilias involve atypical sexual behaviors or objects.

Analysts and experts, including Jiří Tyleček from financial services firm XTB, report that coffee prices will continue rising due to increasing global demand and reduced supply. Czech coffee prices have surged 46 percent since 2015, with Arabica now exceeding USD 3 (CZK 72) per pound, the highest since 2011, according to Lubomír Kadaně of Fairtrade ČR. Adéla Ladman from Upraženo warns of further price hikes after Christmas, with drought in Brazil driving production costs up by 30 percent domestically.

The Czech Statistical Office reported that confidence in the Czech economy rose by 1.2 points month-on-month to 98 in November, also exceeding last year's 93.4. Business confidence improved in services, trade, and construction, with services seeing a 5.9-point increase due to stronger demand expectations, especially in finance. Trade and construction confidence reached four-month highs.

According to President Petr Pavel, the Czech Republic acknowledges that its NATO membership brings both benefits and obligations. In a letter to US President-elect Donald Trump, Pavel expressed his country's willingness to enhance cooperation with the US on defense, cyber security, and energy. He congratulated Trump on his election and emphasized the importance of a strong transatlantic bond, citing the U.S. as a symbol and defender of freedom.

A man was killed after being struck by a tram near the U Elektry stop in Vysočany on Sunday night. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene due to severe injuries. The accident, around 10:30 p.m., halted tram traffic between Libeň and Hloubětín stations. Police are investigating the incident, though details on whether it occurred at a crosswalk remain unclear.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky called on Europe to be ready to compensate for possible cuts in U.S. aid to Ukraine if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump scales back support. During his visit to Kyiv, Lipavsky stressed Europe’s need for self-reliance in security, while Ukrainian officials expressed hope Trump’s presidency could drive stronger backing against Russian aggression.

President Petr Pavel will attend a Czech Philharmonic concert on Dec. 5 at Carnegie Hall, marking Czech Week as part of the Year of Czech Music celebrations. The event, featuring the Czech Philharmonic, Prague Philharmonic Choir, and Pavel Haas Quartet, will also honor the orchestra with the American Dvořák Society's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Czech Music. Pavel will visit New York following a trip to Australia and New Zealand.

Antonín Procházka's 1922 Cubist painting Lady with a Cigarette set a domestic auction record, selling for CZK 26.3 million in Prague. The auction at Municipal House saw a competitive 15-minute bidding session. Another artwork, Paysage by Josef Šíma, fetched nearly CZK 11 million. Procházka, a prominent Czech modernist and member of the Osma group, gained fame for his Cubist and Neoclassical styles, often incorporating folk and mythological themes into his work.

Czech food banks collected a record 640 tons of goods in the autumn food drive, surpassing previous totals, with 572 tons of food and 68 tons of hygiene items donated. Over 2,200 stores and 5,000 volunteers participated, and donations are still accepted online until Dec. 3. Officials said government funds, increased to CZK 104 million for 2025, will support food bank expansion to meet rising demand.

Cases of abuse of shared cars are rising in Czechia, including incidents where users borrow cars on others' accounts and drive without documents. Recent cases include a 15-year-old in Kladno caught driving recklessly and a shared car driver in Prague fleeing a crash. Shared car companies, like Bolt Drive, warn of fines up to CZK 75,000 for fleeing accidents and may add AI identity verification to prevent misuse.