Czech news in brief for November 28: Friday's top morning headlines

Lawmakers held an extraordinary session on Thursday to press ANO leader Andrej Babiš on how he will resolve his conflict of interest before becoming prime minister. After a 90-minute speech, Babiš offered no solution, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties. President Petr Pavel has said he will not appoint Babiš until he publicly explains the plan. The meeting ended without a resolution, and minority parties say they likely will not call another session immediately.

Black Friday sales are peaking today across Czechia, with retailers expecting the biggest surge of the season through the weekend. Shops report stronger demand than last year and higher average order values, with some chains doubling sales. Consumer inspectors warn shoppers to check whether discounts reflect true pre-sale prices, noting violations in more than a quarter of recent checks. Retailers say extending Black Friday to a full week helps spread demand and ease logistics pressure.

Czech labor productivity has risen sharply in the 30 years since joining the OECD, driven mainly by foreign investment and integration into global supply chains, the Czech Statistical Office said. Growth was strongest before 2008 but has stagnated since the pandemic. Productivity gains are highest in manufacturing and, recently, in banking and ICT. However, the outflow of profits abroad remains high. Czech productivity now averages about USD 55 per hour, still below the OECD average.

Nearly a third of Czech employees frequently work outside official hours, mainly answering emails and messages, according to Masaryk University research. Three-quarters think about work in their free time, and heavier daytime workloads increase the likelihood of evening and weekend work. Researchers warn that constant digital engagement hampers recovery and raises risks of stress and burnout. They say clearer workplace rules on after-hours communication could improve employee wellbeing and long-term performance.

The National Museum in Prague is marking the 150th anniversary of Františka Plamínková’s birth with a new exhibition, Františka Plamínková and We. Opening Friday and running through August 2026, it highlights the life of the Czech politician, women’s rights advocate, and defender of democracy, who was executed by the Nazis. Visitors can view personal belongings donated by her sister Marie Vinklářová, along with artworks and documents from Plamínková’s international activism.