Czech news in brief for October 22: Wednesday’s top afternoon headlines

Political analyst Pavlína Janebová expects the incoming Babiš-led government to prioritize domestic issues like social and economic topics over foreign policy. While not predicting an alliance with Hungary or an end to Russian sanctions, she warned that the government’s rhetoric could normalize anti-European or isolationist tendencies in the public debate.

The government has elevated nine Baroque palaces in Prague and several other significant historical sites to the status of national cultural monuments. This designation grants the highest level of protection to landmarks including the Sedlec ossuary, the chateau in Moravská Třebová, and the Černín and Toskánský palaces.

Environment Minister Petr Hladík declared the European Commission’s changes to the ETS2 emission allowance system an “absolute victory” for Czechia and 18 other nations. The proposal includes a plan to release 80 million allowances onto the market to ensure the price stays near 45 euros, protecting consumers from sharp cost increases.

Investment company Amundi has announced the sale of the Forum Karlín complex and the Prague Ibis hotel to Patria, which is part of ČSOB. The transaction marks the start of the planned exit phase for Amundi’s KB2 Real Estate Fund, which will ultimately result in a payout of returns to its clients.

Firefighters responded to a major fire, declaring a third-level alarm, at an industrial hall measuring 50 by 20 meters in Nehvizdy near Prague. The building stored car parts and tools, but no one was injured. Units from the Central Bohemian region and Prague are using specialized equipment to contain the blaze.