News

Diesel prices in the Czech Republic rose sharply last week after government fuel price controls expired. The average price increased by three crowns to nearly 44 crowns per litre, making diesel more expensive than petrol again for the first time in about three months. Petrol prices also increased, though more modestly, rising to an average of over 42 crowns per litre. Analysts had expected a stronger increase in diesel prices because of limited supplies. Compared with a year ago, diesel now costs more than ten crowns per litre more.

Czech politicians have paid tribute to artist, performer and former National Gallery director Milan Knížák, who has died at the age of 86. Culture Minister Oto Klempíř (Motoristé) described his death as the loss of one of the country's most distinctive modern cultural figures, praising his lifelong defence of artistic freedom and his belief that art should actively change society. He also recalled Knížák's role in the underground Aktual group and the international Fluxus movement. Martin Kupka (ODS) said Knížák embodied the artist's duty to provoke debate and challenge established views through his unconventional work and public engagement.

Police across the Czech Republic are investigating a mass bomb threat sent to around 400 locations, including government offices, shopping centres and other public buildings. Officers are contacting the operators of the affected sites and carrying out searches while the buildings remain open. Police say they currently assess the threat as posing a low risk but have urged any organisation that received the warning and has not yet reported it to call the emergency line. Authorities have not released further details about the nature of the threat while the investigation continues.

The Czech government is set to discuss legislation that would allow vehicle ownership transfers without visiting government offices. The proposal would also make it possible to have registration documents and licence plates delivered to parcel lockers or collection points. Other planned changes include allowing drivers to keep their licence plates when changing vehicles and automatically removing stolen cars from the vehicle register. The cabinet will also consider easing reporting requirements for some companies, expanding the use of peer support workers in public services and reviewing several opposition-sponsored bills before parliament.