Czech news in brief for October 29: Wednesday’s top afternoon headlines

The forming Czech coalition of ANO, Freedom and Direct Democracy, and the Motorists nominated SPD chairman Tomio Okamura as speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. ANO proposed MP Patrik Nacher as first vice speaker, while the Motorists nominated MP Jiří Barták as deputy speaker. The constituent session is set for Nov. 3. Opposition parties will fill the remaining deputy speaker posts.

The rector of Prague’s Academy of Performing Arts said recent Palestinian flag displays at universities were socially risky and poorly timed, coinciding with the anniversary of a deadly Hamas attack. While acknowledging strong reactions from alumni and artists, she stressed the flags alone are not anti-Semitic and urged restraint, dialogue, and awareness of potential harassment or intimidation of students.

The outgoing Czech government will review in November whether to resend the 2026 draft state budget to the lower house, Education Minister Mikuláš Bek said. The draft, with a CZK 286 billion deficit, was initially submitted in September. The new coalition parties had urged its resubmission, but the outgoing cabinet previously deemed it unnecessary after pre-election criticisms. The budget has a very deep deficit, meaning likely tax rises.

Project Aurelia, part of Austria’s Erste Group, can acquire the Palladium shopping center in Prague following antitrust approval. The center, currently owned by Germany’s Union Investment, houses 157 shops, 27 eateries, offices, and a large underground car park across five floors. The transaction is expected to consolidate Erste Group’s presence in Prague’s non-residential property rental market.

Czech exports to non-European countries rose 10.8 percent to CZK 270.5 billion in the first half of 2025, with Africa increasing 30.9 percent. Analysts attribute growth to weaker European demand and global uncertainties. Top African markets include Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt, with machinery and transport equipment as the main exports. Greater diversification helps Czech companies manage trade shocks and barriers within Europe.