Road Deaths Reach Historic Low

Road safety figures brought more positive news. A total of 428 people were killed in traffic accidents last year, marking the second consecutive year with the lowest number of fatalities since 1961, when nationwide statistics were first recorded.

Hundreds Released After Child Support Law Change

A legal change at the start of the year has led to the release of 302 people previously imprisoned for failing to pay child support. Under the revised law, non-payment is now considered a criminal offence only if it places a child in extreme material hardship.

As the year begins, the combination of political disputes, diplomatic reactions and domestic reforms suggests that developments in Czechia will continue to attract attention both at home and abroad.

Analysts say GDP trends point to 2.5% growth in 2025

Analysts say developments in gross domestic product confirm that the Czech economy is heading towards growth of around 2.5% in 2025, up from about 1% the year before. According to revised data from the Czech Statistical Office, GDP rose by 2.8% year on year and 0.8% quarter on quarter in the third quarter.

Ukrainian Ambassador Rejects Okamura’s Remarks

Ukraine’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, Vasyl Zvarych, reacted sharply to Okamura’s statements. He said the comments were offensive and reflected the politician’s personal views rather than Czech foreign policy. According to Zvarych, the rhetoric echoed narratives associated with Russian propaganda and was unacceptable when directed at a democratic country facing military aggression. He added that such statements contradict democratic values and are inappropriate for someone holding a senior political position, expressing hope that Czech authorities and the public would take the issue seriously.

Dr. Max Owner to Acquire 15 Former Moje Lékárna Pharmacies

Brno-based Česká Lékárna Holding, which operates Dr. Max, the Czech Republic’s largest pharmacy chain, is acquiring Lékárna Na Petřinách and its 15 pharmacies. These locations were previously part of the Moje Lékárna pharmacy chain, which was owned by Sanovia. The transaction is pending review by the Office for the Protection of Economic Competition, as announced on its website. Česká Lékárna Holding is controlled by the investment group Penta.

Trams Collide in Prague, One Derails

A tram collision disrupted traffic in Prague on Friday morning on the section between the Hlubočepy, Sídliště Barrandov, and Slivenec stops. At the Barrandov loop, one tram reversed into another, causing one of the vehicles to derail. Police said the incident, which occurred at the Barrandov loop, resulted in no injuries. Tram services were suspended for about an hour, with replacement transport put in place.