News

Czech forward Ondřej Palát guided New Jersey to a 5–0 win in Buffalo with two assists, his first multi-point game of the season. He set up both goals for Arseny Gritsyuk, who enjoyed the first two-goal night of his NHL career. Palát has now recorded points in three straight games and improved his season totals to one goal and three assists. Defenceman Filip Hronek also added an assist as Vancouver lost 3–2 to San Jose. Despite the Canucks’ struggles, Hronek remains productive, registering points in three consecutive games and ranking fifth among Czech players with 16 points. Martin Nečas, the top Czech scorer this season, was held off the scoresheet but converted his attempt in a shootout loss to Minnesota.

With the first Advent Sunday approaching and Christmas markets opening in many towns, Czech police have strengthened patrols in areas where large crowds gather. According to the national police, officers in plain clothes and units equipped with long firearms and ballistic protection are already deployed. They stress that this is a standard preventive measure and that there is no indication of an immediate threat. Municipal police are reinforcing state patrols in several locations. In Prague, officers will be more visible in shopping centres, cemeteries and public transport. Czechia currently remains at a mild level of terrorist threat due to the global security situation.

Exports of Czech goods are expected to rise by roughly 2.3% this year, reaching an estimated record of CZK 6.25 trillion, up from last year’s CZK 6.11 trillion, according to the Association of Exporters.

However, according to the association’s vice-chairman, Otto Daněk, the stronger crown has shaved an estimated CZK 70 billion off exporters’ revenues and profits over the first three quarters. He noted that the currency’s appreciation is also dragging down the growth rate of exports when measured in the Czech currency. This year’s forecast 2.3% rise stands in stark contrast to the 7.6% jump recorded between 2023 and 2024.

Exporters warn that a firm crown and high energy prices are likely to continue weighing on export momentum into 2026.

The State Agricultural Intervention Fund (SZIF) is prepared to suspend the processing of subsidy applications from companies within the Agrofert holding if its owner—ANO party leader Andrej Babiš—becomes prime minister while remaining in a conflict of interest, SZIF Director General Petr Dlouhý told the Czech News Agency. According to Dlouhý, any suspension would remain in place until the fund could be certain that granting such subsidies would not violate the law.

Andrej Babiš has promised to explain publicly how he intends to address the conflict of interest before being appointed prime minister but has so far made no move to do so.