President Petr Pavel will appoint ANO leader Andrej Babiš as prime minister on Tuesday, December 9, after the billionaire announced that he would step away from his business empire Agrofert to resolve a conflict of interest. The move clears the final obstacle following ANO’s victory in October’s parliamentary election and its subsequent coalition deal with the Freedom and Direct Democracy party and Motorists for Themselves. Babiš confirmed the decision in a video message on Thursday evening, saying he would “irrevocably give up” Agrofert and have no contact with the conglomerate going forward. The business group, which includes more than 200 companies and is one of the country’s largest recipients of EU subsidies, has been at the centre of his legal and political battles for years. “Of course, I could have left politics after winning the election and lived a comfortable life,” Babiš told voters. “But I am convinced you would see it as a betrayal. That is why I have decided to give up Agrofert forever. I will not own it again, I will not profit from it, and I will not communicate with it.” According to the plan he outlined, Agrofert’s shares will be moved into an independent trust...
From December 1 to 30, Prague hosts the exhibition Fragile Beings and a Parallel Life in the Studio by Bulgarian-born artist Rumen Sazdov at the Kronberg Gallery studio on Senovážné náměstí 8. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM, the space combines a gallery display with the artist’s working studio, offering visitors a unique chance to see both finished works and new canvases in progress. Sazdov, who has lived and worked in Prague since 1989, blends classical training with contemporary expressionism. Born in 1959 in Kyustendil, Bulgaria, he studied at Sofia’s Secondary School of Art and later at the Faculty of Figurative Art in Veliko Tarnovo. Over the decades, he has exhibited internationally, including in Bulgaria, New York, and Italy, and his works are part of prestigious private collections worldwide, owned by figures such as Princess Stephanie of Monaco and actor Bruce Willis. His paintings are known for their strong color, dynamic structure, and emotional depth. While modern and expressive, they remain accessible, making them suitable for collectors and interior projects alike. Sazdov’s work has been included in the international Mayer catalog and listed on Artnet, signaling both artistic recognition and investment potential. The Fragile Beings exhibition reflects his interest in...
New figures from the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) show a noticeable shift in Czech eating and drinking habits during 2024. The country consumed 797 kilograms of food per person, while the structure of the average diet continued to change. Consumption of alcohol, sugar and flour declined, whereas dairy products, vegetables and meat increased. One of the most striking year-on-year changes appeared in milk and dairy products. Czechs consumed 260.9 kilograms per person, an increase of six kilograms compared with 2023. Potatoes, pasta and long-life baked goods also recorded moderate growth. At the same time, people ate less fruit overall, dropping to 84.4 kilograms per person. Consumption of fruit grown in temperate climates declined, while fruit from southern regions rose slightly, largely due to higher demand for bananas. The year also brought a measurable shift in vegetable consumption. Czechs ate 91.6 kilograms of vegetables per capita, up 4.5 kilograms from the previous year. Alcohol consumption moved in the opposite direction. The country drank 156 liters of alcoholic beverages per person, a drop of 4.3 liters from 2023. Looking further back, the decline is more pronounced: in 2015, Czechs consumed 172.4 liters, meaning a reduction of 16.4 liters over the past decade....
Prague 2 has launched its Advent charity collection, inviting residents to donate food, toys, and essential supplies for animal shelters. The district launched the initiative on Tuesday as part of Giving Tuesday, marking its eighth consecutive year of involvement in the global day dedicated to charitable giving. This year’s collection brings together local schools, kindergartens and shops with pet and breeding supplies, continuing the approach introduced in previous years. Donations will be accepted until the final Saturday of Advent. The following day, on December 21, representatives of the district will deliver the collected items to the dog shelter in Lysá nad Labem and the cat shelter located on the grounds of the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital. Deputy Mayor Lucie Pechová (ODS), responsible for social affairs, noted that the Advent season typically inspires greater solidarity. Prague 2 was the first district in the city to join Giving Tuesday eight years ago. “I appreciate that people donate items like dog coats as well. Some animals really need them during winter,” she said. Longtime supporters credit residents for keeping the tradition alive. Deputy Mayor Alexandra Udženija (ODS) recalled the early discussions that shaped the project. “Every year, the response is strong. The containers fill...
Families across Prague are preparing for the arrival of St. Nicholas (Mikuláš), devils and angels on Friday, December 5. The trio appears each year on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, a tradition rooted in Central Europe and shaped by centuries of folklore. From afternoon walks through historic squares to community events in city districts, the celebration remains one of the biggest moments of Advent. Although St. Nicholas is marked on December 6, the Czech custom unfolds the night before. In earlier liturgical calendars, the new day began at sunset, which is why the visits take place on December 5. The practice goes back to the story of Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop known for helping the poor in what is now Turkey. Today, St. Nicholas does not arrive alone. The angel and the devil complete the group, representing reward and warning—a balance that shaped the tradition for generations. Parents in Prague often look for events that keep the atmosphere friendly rather than frightening, and many districts now organize their own gentle version. Where to See St. Nicholas in Prague The largest gatherings usually form in the historic center. Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square draw groups in detailed...
Prague has entered a new stage of urban delivery services as Foodora. has started testing autonomous delivery robots in the capital. Instead of launching citywide, the company chose the Karlín district as its trial zone. The machines operate within a two-kilometer area around the McDonald’s branch on Thámova Street, where they pick up meals and bring them directly to customers. City officials approved the pilot earlier this year. Prague 8 councilor Martin Štěrba said the robots are programmed to behave as carefully as pedestrians. Their onboard system — a combination of sensors and twelve cameras — continuously scans the surroundings. The machines are able to detect people, bicycles, prams, wheelchairs, and traffic. When the robot encounters a situation it cannot classify, it immediately connects to a remote operator. Because Czech legislation groups these robots under the category of pedestrians, their use on sidewalks is permitted. They stick to marked footpaths and cross the street only with a green signal. Top speed is capped at 8 km/h, similar to a brisk walk, though most trips are slower. Each unit offers a 360-degree view and can manage small curbs, rain, and snow. According to Starship Technologies, the manufacturer, robots worldwide complete millions...
Prague’s ice-skating season is now in full swing, with rinks operating in parks, school grounds, shopping centers, and even on rooftops. Below is a district-by-district overview of where to skate this winter, reshaped and reorganized to help readers plan easily. City Center and Old Town One of the most visited spots each year is the rink at Na Františku, which opens early in the morning and runs through the day. The schedule changes depending on school use, so checking the timetable before heading out is recommended. Admission for adults is 140 CZK. A short walk away, Wenceslas Square hosts another rink from December 1. Skaters move in two-hour blocks, with daily opening hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Adults pay 200 CZK, children 100 CZK, and residents of Prague 1 receive a discounted rate. Green Spaces in Prague 2 Several parks in Prague 2 offer skating in quieter surroundings. Folimanka Park opens its season on December 10 at 5:00 PM, with a symbolic 50 CZK day ticket. Further options include rinks at Havlíčkovy sady and Svatopluka Čecha Gardens, both charging 80 CZK for a full-day visit. Žižkov and Prague 3 Two long-running rinks opened in mid-November: one in the...
Prague has emerged as one of Europe’s most congested capitals, with drivers spending on average 64 hours per year stuck in traffic. That places the city ninth on the list of the most traffic-clogged metropolises, according to long-term data from the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. The recent surge in delays reflects a troubling trend: the amount of time wasted in jams has nearly tripled since 2017. European City Traffic Rankings (Average Hours Lost Annually): 10. Berlin – 58 hours Despite heavy traffic, Berlin remains lower in the ranking than many other European capitals. Time lost has increased by about a third since 2017, but the pace is slower than in other cities. 9. Prague – 64 hours Prague’s congestion has grown sharply in the last decade. In 2017, drivers spent just 24 hours per year in traffic jams. Only Lisbon and Ljubljana have recorded faster increases. Prague also fell in global rankings, now 29th out of more than 900 cities. 8. Rotterdam – 63 hours As a major European transport hub, Rotterdam faces high freight and passenger traffic. Its congestion rating also factors in speed in the city center, main corridor occupancy, and the number of people affected, which puts...
A driver heading to his car in Jihlava early Saturday found something he didn’t expect: blood on his hood, scattered clothes on the ground, and a man in only a T-shirt and underwear clinging to the top of a large spruce. The man, later identified as a 36-year-old, had climbed the tree during the night while under the influence of drugs. He remained there for hours in freezing weather until he was spotted at dawn. Before officers arrived, the driver called line 158, prompting a response from police, firefighters, and paramedics. The tree stood near the football stadium, and the man was several meters above ground, gripping the branches tightly. After the driver called line 158, police, firefighters, and paramedics were dispatched. Police spokeswoman Dana Čírtková said the driver first heard strange sounds and then noticed someone high up in the branches. A police officer joined firefighters in the basket to speak to the man, who was dressed only in underwear and a T-shirt. He did not respond to instructions and moved to thinner branches, complicating the rescue. Firefighters eventually raised the platform above the treetop, allowing a firefighter to descend toward the man using a rope. After several minutes,...
When Simple Plan last toured Europe, their shows drew multigenerational crowds who grew up with the band’s early-2000s sound. In 2026, the Canadian group will return to Prague with a performance at O2 Univers on October 18, part of their international Bigger Than You Think tour. After twenty-five years on the scene, the musicians are preparing a string of global concerts, a large-scale documentary for Amazon Prime Video, and a run of arena shows alongside Avril Lavigne and The Offspring. Simple Plan’s impact stretches back to their 2002 debut, which introduced songs that later became staples for millions of listeners. Tracks such as “I’m Just A Kid,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Shut Up!” and “Welcome to My Life” helped define the band’s early identity. Their theme for “What’s New Scooby-Doo?” later turned into one of the most recognizable pop-punk television anthems. Over the years, their mix of personal lyrics and straightforward melodies has earned them over 10 million albums sold, sold-out tours, and appearances at events like the 2010 Winter Olympics. Fans can expect the major hits, deeper cuts that shaped their early career, and the newer material signaling where their music is headed next. The show will feature a strong...
Prague’s quiet corner of Mariánské náměstí turned into a Christmas market that connects tradition with charity, this time through a theme inspired by the painter Josef Lada. The markets opened on November 28, 2025, and will run until January 6, 2026, offering a calmer alternative to the city’s larger holiday markets. A wide range of non-profit organizations, sheltered workshops, and associations operate the stalls, selling handmade goods, decorations, candles, jewelry, wooden toys, textiles, and small gifts. Visitors support these groups directly with every purchase. Panels around the square will display reproductions of Josef Lada’s illustrations, and visitors will also see selected objects linked to his work, including his nativity scene and work desk. A full program will accompany the stalls. Each Advent weekend, the stage will be filled with children’s choirs, dance groups, small theater performances, and occasional appearances by professional artists. One of the most popular moments comes on December 5, when St. Nicholas arrives with his traditional companions. Families gather on the square every year to take part in this event. Another key date is December 11, when the Mayor’s Advent Food Collection will take place. Visitors will be able to donate long-lasting food items that are then...
When Filmasia launched in 2005, the intention was simple: introduce Prague audiences to the pace and ambition of contemporary Asian cinema. The 21st edition of the Filmasia Asian Film Festival will explore subversive new releases and rediscover classics under the theme of Twists and Returns. In addition to nine film screenings, the festival will launch the year-long Filmasia Presents project. Running December 4–8 at Bio Oko, the 2025 edition gathers nine films from five Asian countries, arranged around the theme “Reversals and Returns.” Instead of focusing on a region, the festival follows stories in which characters double back, confront their own histories, or cross boundaries — including the line between life and death. All films will be screened in original versions with English and Czech subtitles. A Strong Korean Presence South Korean cinema, long a pillar of the festival, features prominently again. Three national titles will screen, each reflecting a different approach to revisiting the past. The film likely to draw the most attention is My Daughter Is a Zombie, the most-watched South Korean film of 2025. Screening on Sunday, December 7, director Pil Gam-seong mixes the country’s trademark flair for genre with a family story about a tiger tamer...
Don’t have an account? Register
[swpm_registration_form level=”6″]
Already have an account? Log In
How Would You Like to Promote Your Business? PR ArticleDisplay bannersVideo productionNewsletter adsJob ListingsInfluencer Marketing
Your Email
We will come back to you within 24 hours with our proporsal
