Czech news in brief for October 19: Sunday's top afternoon headlines

Good afternoon, this is Jason with your Sunday news recap. Here’s a quick rundown of the key stories that made headlines in Czechia today. Read on to learn about local protests, weather, politics, and more.

Thousands gathered in Prague’s Hradčanské Square on Sunday afternoon to oppose the Motorists party taking control of the Environment Ministry, arguing their climate denial stance threatens Czech nature. Protesters urged President Petr Pavel to reject the nomination of party leader Petr Macinka, citing his ties to the Václav Klaus Institute and opposition to renewable energy and EU climate measures.

Why it matters: The protest reflects public concern over Czechia’s environmental future under a potential coalition that includes climate-skeptic parties.

A frigid morning swept across the Czech Republic, with the coldest reading of minus 10 degrees Celsius recorded at Rokytská slať in the Pilsen region. Seventeen out of 171 meteorological stations measured record lows for Oct. 19, with other locations seeing temperatures around minus 8 degrees. Many areas, including Nový Rychnov and Ústí nad Orlicí, recorded their coldest Oct. 19 in decades. Snow and strong winds were reported in mountainous areas.

Motorists party leader Petr Macinka insists Filip Turek remain in the new Czech government despite past racist, sexist, homophobic, and Nazi-referencing social media posts and a threatening incident at the Saudi embassy. Turek, a potential foreign minister, has apologized for some statements, while police confirm no data leaks in past investigations. ANO and SPD have not formally ruled on his appointment.

Why it matters: The controversy raises concerns about vetting standards for Czech cabinet positions and the potential reputational risk for the emerging coalition.

Czech hospitals are modernizing patient meals, moving away from bland food toward colorful, nutritious dishes like ramen curry or spinach dumplings. The Health Ministry is developing a “culinary bible” to guide nutrition standards and simplify hospital diets from 14 to five. Pilot programs in 14 hospitals aim to show that better meals can shorten recovery times and reduce malnutrition, especially among elderly patients.

Why it matters: By improving hospital food quality and reducing unnecessary dietary restrictions, the new standards aim to speed up recovery, enhance patient satisfaction, and cut healthcare costs across the system.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies will pay out 57.5 million crowns in severance to MPs who lost or did not seek re-election earlier this month. Former Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová will receive the highest payout, nearly CZK 1.5 million. Severance depends on tenure, ranging from one to five months’ salary, with base pay at CZK 109,500.

Why it matters: The payouts highlight the financial impact of parliamentary turnover and rising compensation for elected officials amid growing scrutiny over public spending.