Czech news in brief for October 16: Thursday's top morning headlines

ANO leader Andrej Babiš called on President Petr Pavel to force the outgoing government to resubmit next year’s draft budget to the Chamber of Deputies. Babiš warned delays could halt projects like highway land purchases and said the new government may not take office until December. If the budget isn’t approved, a provisional spending limit would apply.

The Czech government approved a register of apartments to track their number, size, and location. The database, managed by the Ministries of Regional Development and Finance, aims to improve targeting of housing programs and should be functional by the 2031 census. Current data show 200,000 unoccupied apartments, up 40% since 2011.

A cold front will sweep across the Czech Republic Saturday, bringing daytime highs around 10°C. Temperatures may drop below freezing Sunday night, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said. Rain is possible in the northeast, with mountain snow. Clearer, warmer weather is expected next week, with highs reaching 17°C by week’s end.

A three-month operation found 1,230 offences involving alcohol and drugs among Czech minors. Officers checked 2,400 venues and 12,400 people, detecting 520 minors with alcohol in their blood, including 46 under 15. Nearly half of 463 shops inspected sold alcohol to underage buyers. Experts cited easy access and called for stricter enforcement and education.

The Czech subsidiary of Claire’s, the fashion accessories chain, filed for bankruptcy after its U.S. parent’s collapse. Czech branches owe over 50 million CZK to creditors, employ about 80 people, and operate ten stores. Analysts say a British or U.S.-style rescue is unlikely, as local market conditions and global competition, including online fast-fashion retailers, make new investment improbable.