Czech news in brief for September 15: Tuesday's top morning headlines

President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš are putting months of tension behind them with a new pledge to coordinate Czech foreign policy. Elsewhere, pharmacy vaccinations have hit a political roadblock, the government is moving ahead with tougher kratom rules, and Prague gets a welcome return to sunshine. Good morning, here's your Tuesday headline mix.

President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš have agreed to improve coordination of Czech foreign policy following months of tensions between the government and Prague Castle. During an hour-long meeting Monday, they discussed foreign trips, security, legislation and preparations for the 2027 state budget.

Key takeaways: The leaders agreed ministries and state institutions should share more information from international meetings. Pavel also briefed Babiš on his upcoming U.S. trip for the UN General Assembly, while Babiš confirmed he is considering a business-focused visit to China next year.

The Czech government has postponed a decision on proposed legislation that would allow trained pharmacists to administer flu vaccinations. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch said the measure faced objections during Monday's cabinet meeting, while coalition partner SPD said it considers pharmacy-based vaccination unacceptable.

What we know: The Health Ministry argues easier access could increase Czechia's low flu vaccination rate, which stood at about 7.5 percent last season. Vojtěch said pharmacy vaccinations are already available in 20 European countries, including neighboring Slovakia and Poland.

The Czech government has approved legislation that would raise the minimum age for buying kratom from 18 to 21 and ban online sales. The proposal would also introduce an excise tax, raise VAT to 21 percent and impose stricter requirements on licensed sellers and product safety.

What’s next: The legislation must still pass parliament before taking effect next year. Municipalities would be able to ban kratom shops locally, while addiction experts have warned that prohibiting regulated online sales could push some consumers toward unlicensed foreign sellers and the black market.

The Czech military will clean up a contaminated former training area in Šumava National Park, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said Monday. Authorities have identified about 1,000 tons of contaminated soil and 200 barrels containing hazardous chemicals at the site near Zhůří in the Klatovy region.

Change of plan: The government had previously considered awarding the CZK 192 million cleanup contract to environmental firm Dekonta, which surveyed the area, but postponed the decision amid disagreement. The military said it is now assessing the assignment and has not yet determined which units or how many soldiers will take part.

Prague residents can expect a warmer and mostly sunny Tuesday, with temperatures climbing to around 24 degrees Celsius after Monday's cooler and wetter conditions. Similar temperatures are forecast Wednesday before cooler weather returns later in the week.

Looking ahead: Wednesday could bring some afternoon showers, while Thursday's high is expected to fall to around 20 degrees Celsius. The weekend currently looks relatively mild, with daytime temperatures around 21 to 22 degrees.