Czech news in brief for September 1: Monday’s top headlines

Nearly 1.5 million pupils and high schoolers return to Czech classrooms Monday, including 118,000 first graders—about 2,000 fewer than last year. While overall first-grade numbers rose by 5,000, higher grades fell by 6,000. High schools gained 10,000 students year-over-year. Education officials say shifting demographics are reshaping enrollment, with long-term implications for the country’s workforce and education planning.

Czech Railways launched Pendolino service from Prague to České Budějovice, marking the first time trains will run at 200 km/h in the country. The route cuts travel to 90–95 minutes, aided by modernized tracks and tilting technology. Transport Minister Martin Kupka hailed it as a milestone after 25 years at 160 km/h. The service extends connections across Moravia and Bohemia.

Michal Strnad, head of CSG, is now the richest Czech with assets of CZK 330 billion, Euro magazine reported. The arms tycoon overtook energy mogul Daniel Křetínský, whose wealth dropped to CZK 280 billion amid slowing energy markets. Renáta Kellnerová and family ranked second at CZK 315 billion. The shake-up reflects booming defense industries, while energy magnates lost billions this year.

In a weekend televised debate, Czech MPs Michaela Šebelová (STAN) and Iveta Štefanová (SPD) agreed primary care shortages strain the health system, but differed on fixes—Šebelová urged empowering nurses, while Štefanová called for cutting bureaucracy. Surveys show patients cite long waits as the top issue. Health Minister Vlastimil Válek pledged mandatory e-referrals by 2026 to track waits, which could save billions.

Florence + The Machine will perform at Prague’s O2 Arena for the first time on March 5, 2026. The tour will feature their biggest hits and tracks from the upcoming album Everybody Screams, out Oct. 31. Tickets start at CZK 1,390, with presales beginning Sept. 3 for fan club members and general sales opening Sept. 5 through Ticketmaster and Ticketportal.