Politics Fiala warns of ‘extremist’ threat at rally
Prime Minister Petr Fiala urged voters Wednesday to back his Spolu coalition, warning that a government led by ANO, Stačilo! or SPD would endanger the country. Speaking at a Prague campaign rally, Fiala said he was “worried for the first time since November 1989.” About 200 people attended, including pro-Palestinian protesters who disrupted the event, underscoring sharp divisions ahead of October’s parliamentary elections.
Economy Czech wage growth beats forecasts, gaps widen
Czech wages rose 7.8 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, or 5.3 percent in real terms, outpacing market expectations and pushing net wages to a record after tax changes, analysts said Wednesday. But they warned growth favors higher earners, widening income gaps between regions and social groups. While wage gains are expected to slow later this year, economists say rising pay will continue to support household spending and economic growth.
Defense Czech govt approves purchase of Leopard tanks
The Czech government on Wednesday approved the purchase of 44 German-made Leopard 2A8 tanks, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2031. The deal, worth CZK 34.25 billion (USD 1.5 billion) including training and support, is part of Prague’s joint procurement with Germany. The Defense Ministry also signed contracts for small arms from Česká zbrojovka and 18 British Supacat armored vehicles for special forces. The tanks will replace aging Soviet-made T-72s.
Culture Sokols seek UNESCO heritage recognition
The Czech Sokol Community launched a petition Wednesday to have the All-Sokol Festival inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. Presented on Prague’s Střelecký Island, where the first festival took place in 1882, the petition runs until Oct. 30. Organizers say the mass gymnastic gatherings embody democratic and patriotic ideals. Recent festivals have drawn tens of thousands of Sokols and over 100,000 visitors from the Czech Republic and abroad.
Study Slavic origins traced to Belarus-Ukraine region
The first Slavs originated between today’s southern Belarus and central Ukraine, according to DNA analysis of more than 550 skeletal samples from the sixth to eighth centuries. Researchers from Masaryk University and international partners said the findings, published Wednesday in Nature and Genome Biology, show large-scale Slavic migration reshaped Central and Eastern Europe’s genetic makeup. Scientists noted the migrants built family-based societies rather than conquering new territories.
Food Hygiene inspectors find ice cream violations
More than half of Czech ice cream and drink ice samples failed hygiene tests this summer, the State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority said Wednesday. Out of 146 ice cream samples, 67 exceeded bacterial limits, with vanilla the most affected flavor. Thirty of 53 drink ice samples also failed. Inspectors cited poor sanitation and training. Faulty equipment was shut down, with fines and further inspections pending.