Czech news in brief for October 17: Friday's top headlines

Good morning. This is Elizabeth with your first look at today's news for Czechia. It's Friday and looking frosty for the weekend. If you're up for braving the cold, we've got your weekend tips here. But first, read on for five important stories you need to know about today.

Czech leaders haven’t publicly reacted to the planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest, which is boosting Hungary’s regional influence. Meanwhile, probable next PM Andrej Babiš met Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok to strengthen Czech-Slovak ties, coordinate on the EU summit, and discuss migration, green policies, and reviving the Visegrád Group, which includes Hungary and Poland.

Why it matters: The move may signal a shift in Czech foreign policy after strong support for Ukraine under the outgoing Fiala government.

Andrej Babiš, leader of ANO and likely future prime minister, has posted a video calling on outgoing PM Petr Fiala’s government to stop making major decisions and back a new ANO budget proposal. He says the plan won’t increase the deficit and insists the state budget should move forward now. Fiala rejects the move, warning it could drive up debt.

Why it matters: The Czech state budget sets government spending and revenue for the year. ANO’s proposal focuses on economic stimulus and social programs, while Fiala warns that rushing it could worsen debt. The standoff underscores tensions as the government transitions.

Austria has extended random checks at its border crossings with Czechia until Dec. 15, continuing measures in place since October 2023. The 59 checkpoints aim to deter illegal migration, with extended operating hours at key crossings such as Slavonice, Nové Hrady, and Valtice to help commuters. While Schengen normally allows free movement, exceptions are permitted for public safety under the agreements.

Prague residents are rushing to get vaccinated as a local hepatitis A outbreak spreads across the city. Vaccination centers reported that interest roughly doubled last year, with both adults and children signing up. The epidemic has caused ten deaths in Prague and 826 cases so far this year. Vaccines cost around CZK 1,500 for two doses, with partial reimbursement from insurers. Health authorities stress vaccination as the best preventive measure and have launched a public awareness campaign.

Read more: Some university hospitals also have vaccination centers, such as Bulovka, Motol, or Thomayer Hospital in Krč. Most require advance reservations, but Krč accepts applicants from Monday to Thursday mornings without an appointment. See more coverage here.

Fishermen in Třeboň have begun the annual three-day harvest at Rožmberk, Czechia’s largest pond, expecting around 100 tons of fish. Carp will make up most of the catch, with prices for Christmas markets likely similar to last year at CZK 119 per kilo. The event draws tens of thousands of visitors, offering a festive, centuries-old glimpse into Czech fishing traditions. Rožmberk’s size makes it a spectacle, even if its yield per hectare is modest.