News

Czech MPs proposed reallocations worth nearly CZK 240 billion within this year’s state budget during the second reading in the Chamber of Deputies. The amount represents about ten percent of total planned spending. Opposition parties want to move more funds to defence and security, housing support and culture, mainly by cutting spending on transport discounts, renewable energy subsidies, agricultural support and the government reserve. The governing coalition has also suggested several shifts, including more money for sports infrastructure and youth organisations. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová criticised the opposition for what she called obstruction during the debate. MPs are due to take a final vote on the budget next Wednesday.

Repatriation flights carrying Czech citizens stranded in the Middle East landed in Prague on Wednesday morning. A Czech military aircraft brought about 40 passengers from Egypt, while a government Airbus arrived shortly afterwards with nearly 100 people evacuated Oman. The flights are part of efforts to bring home Czech citizens affected by the conflict in the region. A Czech military Airbus airplane has since later departed Prague for Sharm el-Sheikh to collect more passengers and will later continue to Muscat. Commercial flights operated by Smartwings are also returning Czechs to Prague, mainly tourists who travelled with package tours. Several more flights from Oman and Dubai are expected.

Helena Bezděk Fraňková will receive a Czech Lion for extraordinary contribution to Czech cinematography, the Czech Film and Television Academy announced. The Czech Lion awards are the country’s most prestigious film prizes, often described as the Czech equivalent of the Oscars. The award will be presented at the ceremony on March 14 in Prague. Bezděk Fraňková helped establish the State Cinematography Fund in 2013 and led it until 2025, overseeing its transformation into the State Audiovisual Fund. The academy praised her role in building a transparent system of public support for Czech film and strengthening its international standing.

The State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) plans to hire around 50 new specialists as part of preparations for new nuclear units at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. According to the agency’s new chairman, Štěpán Kochánek, the office will recruit not only nuclear physicists but also experts in engineering, electrical systems, new technologies and human resources. The authority currently employs about 220 people. Kochánek also said the office will continue public outreach to raise awareness of nuclear energy and safety, including new topics such as small modular reactors and the use of artificial intelligence in the nuclear sector. Separately, travel industry experts warn the war in the Middle East is causing the biggest disruption to air travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.