Czech news in brief for October 20: Monday's top afternoon headlines

Negotiations are underway as ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy party, and the Motorists explore forming a coalition government. Talks focus on policy priorities, from taxation to transport, as each party seeks influence in shaping the next administration. While no agreements are final, observers say the coalition could signal significant shifts in Czech politics, affecting both legislation and the day-to-day lives of citizens.

A global Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage affected platforms including Snapchat, Perplexity, and Prime Video today. Users worldwide reported app crashes, streaming interruptions, and slow-loading services. AWS said engineers were working to restore systems as quickly as possible. The disruption highlights the growing dependency on cloud infrastructure for everyday apps and entertainment, leaving millions of users temporarily unable to access key digital services.

Parts of central Prague experienced a sudden electricity outage today, leaving businesses and residents without power. Energy provider PRE is investigating the cause, citing technical faults as the likely culprit. The blackout affected traffic lights, offices, and homes, causing temporary disruptions across the city center. Authorities are urging caution and patience while crews work to restore full service, with most areas expected to regain electricity within a few hours.

Starting January 2026, Prague will prohibit the use of shared electric scooters across the city. The city cites safety concerns, cluttered sidewalks, and growing accidents as reasons for the ban. Private ownership of e-scooters will remain legal. Operators and commuters now face adjustments, as the popular urban transport option is phased out. Authorities say the move is part of a broader effort to make city streets safer and more pedestrian-friendly.

Rising housing costs and stagnant wages are contributing to increasing poverty levels in Czechia. Experts warn that low-income households struggle to afford rent and utilities, deepening financial insecurity. Limited affordable housing options, combined with low pay, are pushing more families into precarious living situations. The government faces pressure to address housing affordability and wage growth to prevent further social and economic inequality across the country.

Czech employees are some of the most overworked in the world, according to new research.