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Summary for: Czech news in brief for October 21: Tuesday's top afternoon headlines
Parties agree on retirement age of 65
pensions Parties agree on retirement age of 65, differ on benefits
ANO, SPD, and the Motorists’ party agree to cap Czechia’s retirement age at 65 as they negotiate a joint government plan, but they remain divided on pensions, family support, and social benefits. Experts warn their promises could cost tens of billions annually. Talks continue this week, with ANO’s Andrej Babiš expected to update President Petr Pavel after his return from holiday.
transport Clocks go back Sunday: Night trains to stop
When Czechia switches to winter time early Sunday, 10 long-distance trains will pause for one hour overnight to stay on schedule. Czech Railways confirmed that regional trains won’t be affected. Passengers can check updates in the Můj vlak app or by phone. The “Chopin,” “Slovakia,” and “Nightjet” trains will all briefly wait at stations during the transition.
environment Czechia’s biggest polluters revealed, plants to blame
Environmental group Arnika has named the Spolana Neratovice chemical plant and the Počerady coal power plant as Czechia’s largest polluters, based on new government data. While overall emissions are declining, experts warn of rising formaldehyde and dioxin levels from some factories. Most of the country’s mercury and carbon emissions still come from coal-fired plants in northern Bohemia. Full regional data is is available at znecistovatele.cz.
prices Candles, flowers, other items cheaper for observances
Candles and flowers for All Souls’ Day are slightly cheaper this year, according to Czech Distribution’s price survey. Glass cemetery candles cost about CZK 35—down nearly 20 percent—while artificial flower decorations average CZK 101. Some plastic candles, however, have gone up by 3 percent. The analysis shows average discounts of 10 percent on memorial items across major Czech retailers.
history Final message of Czechoslovakia's first president on display
A handwritten message from Czechoslovakia’s first president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, is now on display at the National Archives in Prague. Sealed for two decades, the letter was addressed to Edvard Beneš in 1934 and opened last month. The exhibition runs through Friday and includes conservation details about the materials used. Visitors can view Masaryk’s original words on education, national character, and legacy.
📊 POLL OF THE DAY
A new report finds that roughly one in five residents in Czechia don't earn enough to cover basic living costs.
