Politics & Economics

Czech Students Protest Government Plan to Overhaul Funding for Public Media

Thousands of high school and university students marched through the Czech capital on Wednesday to protest a government plan to overhaul — and reduce — funding for public radio and television. “We won’t let you take the media,” protesters chanted as they moved through the city. Smaller demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the country. The new coalition government led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has drafted a proposal to scrap the licence fees currently paid by households and businesses. Under the plan, public broadcasters would instead be funded directly from the state budget — a shift critics say could undermine their independence. The draft legislation would also cut overall funding. Czech Television (ČT) would receive about CZK 5.7 billion annually, down from roughly CZK 6.7 billion, while Czech Radio (ČRo) would see its budget fall to just over CZK 2 billion from CZK 2.5 billion. Media unions have warned they are ready to strike if the government proceeds. The proposal still requires approval from both the cabinet and Parliament and could take effect next year. Press freedom groups across Europe have raised concerns that the changes go beyond a technical funding adjustment. Several organisations, including the European...

by Prague Morning Apr 22, 2026

Trdlokafe and Bubblify Hit by Crisis as Franchise Group Faces Debts

The Czech franchise group behind brands such as Trdlokafe and Bubblify is facing mounting financial and legal pressure, raising concerns among investors and business partners. The company, Twist, which once promoted plans to expand across Europe, has entered 2026 dealing with debt proceedings, store closures, and the loss of its Prague headquarters. Two creditor-led insolvency cases have been launched this year against companies within the group. Landlords, including major shopping centers such as Nový Smíchov and Harfa, are among those seeking repayment, alongside suppliers and contractors who claim outstanding invoices. Several outlets, including locations in central Prague, have shut their doors in recent months. Company representatives describe the closures as part of a broader effort to eliminate underperforming sites while opening new ones elsewhere. But some franchise operators tell a different story, saying they were not informed in advance about closures or operational changes affecting their businesses. At one site near Můstek operations have reportedly been transferred to another company under a management agreement, even though the original franchise holder remains listed as the owner. Such arrangements have added to confusion within the network and raised questions about transparency. According to available information, Twist has struggled to meet rent obligations,...

by Prague Morning Apr 14, 2026

Czech Politicians React to Orbán’s Defeat in Hungary

Czech political leaders have responded swiftly to the outcome of Hungary’s parliamentary elections, where longtime prime minister Viktor Orbán was defeated by opposition leader Péter Magyar and his Tisza movement. The result, which signals a major political shift in Central Europe, has drawn a mix of cautious optimism, concern, and political messaging from across the Czech spectrum. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who had previously supported Orbán ahead of the vote, congratulated Magyar shortly after the results became clear. He acknowledged that the Hungarian leader had secured the trust of voters and said he respected the outcome. Babiš added that he looked forward to future cooperation with Hungary’s new government, signaling a pragmatic approach despite his earlier backing of Orbán. President Petr Pavel welcomed the result more openly, framing it as a victory for democratic principles. He pointed to the high voter turnout as a sign of strong civic engagement and said the outcome showed that “democracy has won.” Pavel also described the shift as positive news for Europe and praised Orbán for conceding defeat after 16 years in power, a gesture he said contributed to political stability. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka struck a more cautious tone. He described Orbán as...

by Prague Morning Apr 13, 2026

Diesel Fuel Prices in the Czech Republic Reached Four-Year High

The price of diesel fuel in the Czech Republic has reached its highest level in four years, APA reports. The average price of one liter of diesel fuel at petrol stations in the country is 48.39 crowns (just under €2). The price of gasoline has also reached its highest level in 3.5 years. A liter of Natural 95 petrol sells for an average of 41.63 crowns (approximately €1.7). The government announced late last week that it would cap fuel distributors’ margins and cut excise duty on diesel starting Wednesday. Retail margins for both petrol and diesel will be limited to a maximum of 2.50 crowns per litre. Excise duty on diesel will be reduced by 2.35 crowns per litre, from the current 9.95 crowns. The tax on petrol will remain unchanged at 12.84 crowns per litre. Following reports that Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey have drafted a proposal that calls for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the strait, oil prices dipped slightly Monday despite Israel’s attack on Iran’s South Pars natural gas field and Iran’s retaliation with missile fire on Israel and other Persian Gulf countries. President Donald Trump has given Iran a deadline of 8 p.m. EDT on...

by Prague Morning Apr 07, 2026

Iran Conflict: Water and Bread Prices Set to Rise in Czech Stores

Rising fuel costs caused by the war in the Middle East are starting to ripple through Czech retail, with food prices expected to climb in the coming months. Experts predict that bottled water and bread could be the first items affected. Tomáš Prouza, president of the Trade and Tourism Association, said the increase in fuel prices will eventually affect food costs because it raises expenses across the supply chain. “We are not anticipating an immediate jump in prices, but a gradual increase is likely if fuel costs continue to rise”. Retail chains including Penny Market, Lidl, and Tesco are closely monitoring the situation but are not planning any immediate price adjustments. Tesco spokesperson Lucie Luchková confirmed that the supermarket will maintain current prices, even for its delivery service, as contracts with carriers were finalized in advance. Bottled water and baked goods are likely to be among the first products to see price increases, according to Penny Market spokesperson Markéta Smutná. These items are fast-moving and often sold in large volumes, making them particularly sensitive to cost fluctuations. Online grocery platform Košík.cz has factored potential fuel price changes into its delivery pricing. “We are not considering a general rise in delivery...

by Prague Morning Apr 06, 2026

Czech Government Imposes Fuel Price Cap and Cuts Diesel Tax

The Czech government has moved to cap fuel prices and slash diesel taxes in an effort to curb rising costs due to the ongoing international energy crisis, announcing a system that will see the state set maximum daily prices for fuel across the country. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the intervention follows concerns that fuel retailers were charging excessive margins, despite earlier pressure from the government to bring prices down voluntarily. Under the new system, the Ministry of Finance will determine a maximum fuel price each day, applying to all gas stations nationwide. Officials estimated that diesel, if the cap came into force on Thursday, would currently be capped at 46.43 Czech crowns per liter, or around €1.89. “We monitored the margins and at the beginning of the conflict they were within the norm, but gradually they became excessive,” Babiš said, adding that negotiations with distributors had only partially reduced prices. “We decided to intervene.” The government will also introduce a cap on retailer margins, setting the maximum allowable profit at 2.50 crowns (€0.10) per liter for both petrol and diesel. Alongside the price controls, ministers approved a targeted tax cut on diesel fuel. Excise duty will be reduced by...

by Prague Morning Apr 03, 2026

Free Contraception for Young People Sparks Political Debate in Czechia

The topic of publicly funded contraception has resurfaced in Czech political discourse after ODS MP Eva Decroix raised the issue on social media. She argued that health insurance coverage for contraception could prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the number of abortions. Decroix suggested that coverage could initially focus on young women and students, highlighting the financial barrier contraception presents. “Do you know that most abortions are performed by women who already have one or more children? Do you know that 84 percent of people support women’s right to decide about their own pregnancy? I believe contraception should be covered, at least in the first step for young girls and students, by public health insurance,” she wrote on Facebook. Currently, Czech women generally pay for contraception themselves unless prescribed for medical reasons. A three-month supply typically starts at around 400 CZK. Amnesty International Czech Republic has long advocated for contraception to be included under public health insurance. Health Minister Open to Targeted Support Health Minister Adam Vojtěch of the ANO party emphasized that public health insurance is primarily intended to cover medical care and treatment, rather than universal contraception. However, he expressed willingness to consider targeted support. “Where contraception is indicated...

by Prague Morning Mar 24, 2026

Czech Republic Has Five Months to Secure Remaining EU Funds

Czechia has secured most of its share of European recovery funding, but with a fixed deadline approaching, the hardest part may still lie ahead. The European Commission has released another €614 million to the Czech Republic, bringing the total received under the bloc’s post-pandemic recovery program to roughly 70 percent of the allocated funds. The payment, equivalent to about 15 billion Czech crowns, reflects progress on a range of projects, from cleaner transport to energy savings. The funding is part of the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, designed to help member states rebuild after Covid-19 while pushing their economies toward digital and environmental goals. For the Czech Republic, the total allocation stands at €8.75 billion, or more than 220 billion crowns. The latest tranche was tied to concrete outcomes. Authorities reported thousands of newly registered electric vehicles, a growing network of charging stations, and improved insulation in tens of thousands of homes. Investments have also reached rail infrastructure, university programs, and parts of the public administration system. Changes to regulations have supported the expansion of solar energy, while the rollout of 5G networks has continued. Companies have also benefited from digital upgrades backed by the program. Still, these steps...

by Prague Morning Mar 23, 2026

Czechia Wants to Limit Temporary Protection for Refugees from Ukraine

The Czech Republic plans to review the conditions for temporary protection of Ukrainian refugees after 2027, considering restrictions for working-age men and residents of western regions. The final decision must be approved by the EU. Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar stated that in the future, protection might not extend to working-age men or to people arriving from the western regions of Ukraine. However, such changes cannot be adopted at the national level – the decision must be agreed upon within the European Union, where the temporary protection mechanism operates. Currently, Prague is negotiating with other EU countries, trying to find a common approach. Temporary protection has already been extended by the EU until March 2027 and allows Ukrainians to legally reside and work in EU countries. At the same time, the Czech Republic has accepted the largest number of refugees per capita among all EU countries – over 401,000 people, and about six thousand more arrive every month. The authorities warn that the country’s capabilities are at their limit, which increases pressure on the need to review the current rules. One of the discussed options is the introduction of a geographical criterion, according to which protection would not apply to people...

by Prague Morning Mar 18, 2026

Czechia to Speed Up Residence Permits for Foreigners from 2029

The Czech government has approved a draft law aimed at modernizing the system for residence permits for foreigners, with a new digital platform expected to speed up applications and administrative procedures starting in 2029. The legislation, submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, introduces an electronic information system that will manage the issuance and revocation of residence permits. Officials say the reform should streamline communication between foreigners and authorities while improving the accuracy of records. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the law itself will not change the main conditions required to obtain residence permits. Instead, the goal is to simplify procedures and strengthen oversight through digital administration. If adopted, the new system would allow foreigners to create personal online accounts beginning in January 2029. Through these accounts they would communicate with state authorities, submit residence applications and receive official documents electronically. Officials say the digital platform should also help authorities manage the growing number of administrative cases related to foreign residents. The Interior Ministry reports that the number of applications submitted by foreigners is rising each year. In addition to new residence permits, authorities process more than 630,000 administrative cases annually, including address changes, registration numbers and travel document...

by Prague Morning Mar 16, 2026

Czechia Allocates 1.7% of GDP in Defence Budget Despite NATO Pressure

Czech lawmakers approved the 2026 budget, keeping defence at 1.7% of GDP despite NATO and President Petr Pavel’s calls to reach the targets outlined by the US following a push from the Trump administration to aim for 5% of total spending. Czech lawmakers approved the country’s 2026 budget Wednesday, allocating 1.7% of GDP to defence despite pressure from the US and President Petr Pavel to meet NATO targets. The lower house voted 104-87 to allocate almost 155 billion CZK for the Defence Ministry. The spending would inch above 2% only if funding for defence-related projects at other ministries is included. NATO members committed in 2014 to spend at least 2% of GDP on defence. At the 2025 Hague summit, under pressure from the Trump administration, the alliance agreed to invest 5% of GDP by 2035. This further breaks down to 3.5% on core defence requirements and 1.5% on defence- and security-related spending. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the state budget is strained and that there are other priorities, including healthcare. According to Babiš the country inherited a budget deficit from the previous government that prevents increased defence spending. Earlier this month Pavel, a retired army general, urged lawmakers to increase...

by Prague Morning Mar 12, 2026

Fuel Prices Spike Across Czech Republic as Diesel Nears 40 Crowns

Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have jumped sharply in recent weeks, driven by global market tensions, supply disruptions, and rising demand from drivers. Diesel has surged by more than six crowns per liter since late February, approaching 40 crowns, while gasoline prices have increased by roughly three crowns. According to CCS data, a liter of diesel now costs an average of 39.20 crowns. Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict at the end of February, diesel has risen about 6.10 crowns, while Natural 95 gasoline averages 36.36 crowns, up approximately 2.75 crowns over the same period. After a joint U.S. and Israeli strike on Iran, North Sea Brent crude briefly surged to $120 per barrel before falling back to around $90. Market nervousness persists, keeping Czech fuel prices unstable. In response to rising prices, the Ministry of Finance has started monitoring fuel sellers’ margins. Stations will regularly report pricing data to authorities. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová stated, “Rising purchase prices on the stock exchange cannot justify disproportionate margin increases.” The outlook remains unpredictable. Factors such as the planned shutdown of the Schwechat refinery in Austria may reduce fuel availability in Central Europe. Operators are focused on short-term procurement,...

by Prague Morning Mar 11, 2026

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