The Daily Dozen: 12 things to know about Czechia today

Disinformation and elections|While the radicalization of Czech society began in the 1990s, the deterioration of economy during the pandemic and disinformation catalyzed it, SYRI (National Institute for Research on the Socioeconomic Impacts of Disease and Systemic Risks) expert Jan Charvát, cited by ČTK. He added that presidential candidate Andrej Babiš has been trying to reach dissatisfied voters affected by disinformation with his electoral campaign.

Human rights|The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on published yesterday a routine review of the state of human rights in Czechia, which criticized the Czech Republic's treatment of the Roma minority as well as its weak policies on domestic and sexual violence. A final report with recommendations for the Czech government will be released on Feb. 10. Read more in our story.

Energy subsidies|So far, large companies filed requests for compensation of increased energy costs for CZK 4.96 billion, out of which the state repaid approximately CZK 1.88 billion, David Hluštík from the Communications Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade told ČTK. The application deadline for the subsidies was extended until Feb. 8.

Inequality and diseases|The socioeconomic inequality between various Czech regions is reflected in the health of the local population, Seznam Zprávy reports. For instance, male life expectancy varies from 77 years in Prague to 73 in the Ústí nad Labem Region. Additionally, Ischemic heart disease occur most frequently in the Karlovy Vary region, in the north of Bohemia and Moravia.

New UK ambassador|The new British ambassador to Czechia, Matthew Field, began his mission in Prague on Monday. To mark the occasion the new diplomat released a video on Twitter in which he's featured stepping off the number 22 tram at Malostranské náměstí as he heads to his new office. Read more in our story.

Czech police|The number of Czech police officers fell under 40,000 in 2022, Police President Martin Vondrášek said today according to ČTK. That number was “essential” for police tasks, as well as one-off missions such as the Czech presidency of the EU council in the second part of 2022. The reason, Vondrášek added, was that only 2,000 new people were hired, while 2,700 members left the police corps last year. 

Gone to punk heaven|Musician Petr Hošek died yesterday, aged 55, according to Reflex.cz. Initially known for being the singer and bass guitar player of the band Plexis, Hošek reinvented himself in the 1990s as DJ Mucho, a member of the Maradona Jazz band. He also co-produced the first house parties in Prague's Ládví club, which later moved to Roxy, where they were held under the name Shake.

Hockey legend|While the Pittsburgh Penguins want to retire Czech Jaromír Jágr's iconic number 68 this season, the hockey legend has other plans. Jágr dons the squad number of 68 to commemorate the 1968 Prague Spring, and also did so while playing for the Penguins. The Czech won several championships and accolades throughout the nineties with the Pennsylvania side. Read more in our story.

Apartment prices|Prices for buying an apartment have been falling across Czechia, especially for older flats, but rents in Prague and Brno are continuing to rise. For the entire Czech Republic, the average price per square meter for an apartment at the end of 2022 was CZK 82,161, down from CZK 90,372 at the start of the year. Read more in our story.