New Rules for EVs and Taxis Could Reshape Transport in Prague

Prague authorities have approved new measures for electric vehicles and taxis that could change how people move around the city. Owners of electric cars will be able to park in all paid zones for an annual fee of 24,000 crowns, while taxis will be required to switch to electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles. The plan still needs approval from city councilors, but that is widely expected. If confirmed, parking permits will start being issued on March 1, and the full transition of taxis to low-emission vehicles is set for 2030.

Cold Snap Pushes Gas Use to Five-Year High

Severe frosts have driven gas consumption in the Czech Republic to its highest level in five years. Over the past week, usage exceeded the average for the heating season by more than 60 percent. Electricity demand has also risen, though not as sharply.

Dispute Over Funding for Ukraine’s Arms Initiative

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said that around 280 billion crowns passed through Czech companies as part of the arms initiative for Ukraine, with about 17 billion crowns allegedly financed directly from the Czech state budget. He accused the previous government of lacking transparency, claiming the spending was hidden in the military intelligence budget. According to Babiš, the current authorities are keeping election promises by not sending Czech taxpayers’ money to Ukraine.

Opposition moves to remove Okamura as Speaker

The opposition parties have submitted a motion to remove SPD leader Tomio Okamura from his post as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. Representatives of all five parties said Tuesday that it was signed by all opposition lawmakers.

NGOs Push Back Against Tighter Government Rules

More than 140 Czech non-governmental organizations have spoken out against government plans to introduce labeling for NGOs that receive foreign funding and to tighten oversight of their activities. The groups argue that the measures weaken the state’s partnership with civil society. The proposed program includes creating a public registry of subsidies, mandatory disclosure of expenses, limits on using public funds for political activity, and ending support for organizations the government considers as obstructing development and investment.