Czech news in brief for March 24: Monday’s top headlines

The Czech Republic may halt Russian oil imports earlier than mid-year, as originally planned, Industry Minister Lukáš Vlček said. Poland’s Orlen, which owns Czech refineries, has already begun sourcing oil from the North Sea and other locations. The shift follows U.S. sanctions blocking payments for Russian oil. More crude will now flow through the European TAL pipeline to maintain fuel production.

Hundreds demonstrated in central Prague on Sunday against the rise of the far right and increasing xenophobia. Organized by Together Against Racism and Fascism, the protest began at Jan Palach Square and ended at Jungmann Square. Participants carried Palestinian and Turkish flags and criticized Czech and European leaders. Police supervised the peaceful march, which briefly disrupted traffic.

Heavy rain triggered local flooding in the southern Svitavy region on March 23, affecting Banín, Rudná, and Svojanov. Firefighters cleared mud, cleaned culverts, and removed debris from flooded homes, garages, and basements. Meteorologists reported the year’s first thunderstorms, mainly in Moravia, with possible weaker supercells later. No injuries were reported.

The Czech Republic’s first high-speed railway could be operational by 2035, with speeds up to 320 km/h, Transport Minister Martin Kupka said. The Environment Ministry will issue an EIA opinion by March’s end for initial sections in the Přerov region. The full network, spanning 800 km by 2050, faces challenges, including high costs, land acquisition, and energy supply concerns.

Czechs wagered a record CZK 983 billion last year, losing 66 billion, according to the Institute for Gambling Regulation. Experts warn gambling addiction can be as destructive as drug abuse. Sports betting surged due to major events like the European Championship. Gambling tax revenue exceeded CZK 21 billion. Addiction specialists urge at-risk individuals to seek help, as gambling-related psychiatric issues and suicides rise.