Czech news in brief for November 9: Sunday’s top afternoon headlines

ANO vice-chair Karel Havlíček said the Czech ammunition initiative supporting Ukraine could be halted, citing bigger problems than expected and tensions with the outgoing government. The initiative has supplied up to 1.8 million artillery rounds this year, but ANO, SPD, and Motorists question its continuation. Outgoing PM Petr Fiala warned that ending the project would be a mistake.

The autumn food collection in Czech stores gathered a record 719 tons of goods, 15 percent more than last year. Donations included 645 tons of food and 74 tons of hygiene products. About 2,800 stores and over 6,000 volunteers took part, with online contributions open until Nov. 18. The drive supports food banks helping families in crisis, seniors, the homeless, and people with disabilities.

Energy giant ČEZ will lower prices from January for customers on open-ended contracts, cutting electricity by CZK 240/MWh and gas by CZK 70/MWh. The reduction applies automatically to both new and existing customers. Other suppliers, including Pražská energetika and E.ON, are also lowering rates, with discounts of up to 10 percent for certain customers.

Ukrainian refugees in Czechia paid CZK 8.2 billion CZK in taxes and contributions in Q3, while state support for them cost CZK 3.9 billion, leaving a CZK 4.3 billion surplus. Most refugees work and pay social and health insurance. The trend of rising revenues and falling assistance continues, with vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and disabled receiving targeted aid.

ANO deputy chairman Karel Havlíček said Ukrainian flags on Czech state buildings have fulfilled their purpose and should be gradually taken down. His coalition partners, including SPD’s Libor Vondráček, also support removing foreign flags, while ANO’s Radek Vondráček called for moderation. Critics say removing the flags risks isolating Czechia internationally and sends a negative signal about the government’s stance on Ukraine.

Prague city has announced plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve public toilet access across the city. What do you think about public toilets in the Czech capital?