Czech news in brief for August 19: Tuesday's top headlines

A total of 4,473 candidates are running for seats in the lower house of the Czech parliament this year, about 800 fewer than in the 2021 election, the Czech Statistical Office reported Tuesday. The candidate count has fallen below 5,000 for the first time, compared to 5,258 four years ago. Women again make up just over 31 percent of nominees for the 200-member Chamber of Deputies. The election is scheduled in the first week of October this year.

Pupils in socially and economically challenged Czech regions are falling behind in national education tests, while students in Prague, Brno, and nearby areas score higher, the Czech School Inspectorate reported Tuesday. The analysis, presented by Chief Inspector Tomáš Zatloukal and Education Minister Mikuláš Bek, found the weakest results in Ústí nad Labem, Karlovy Vary, and Moravia-Silesia. Inspectors said the gaps are persistent and worsening. A factor that can minimize the effects of the disadvantage is how qualified teachers are.

Two wolves that escaped from a visitor center enclosure in Šumava’s Klatovsko region are still at large, confirmed by recent genetic tests on feces, park officials said Tuesday. Originally 13, the enclosure now holds 10 wolves. One recently captured female was returned safely. A skull and other remains suggest a third wolf may have escaped. Zoologists are urging locals and tourists to report sightings to help track the animals.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala praised progress in Ukraine peace negotiations following Monday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders, he told media Tuesday. Fiala emphasized the importance of strong security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future Russian attacks. Trump said preparations are underway for a Ukraine-Russia meeting. Zelenskyy expressed readiness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin in any format.

 The deadline for Czech citizens abroad to register for October’s parliamentary elections closes Sunday, with 20,486 already signed up, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday. About 1,400 expats registered in the past week, but officials say the earlier projection of 50,000 voters is unlikely to be met. This year marks the debut of postal voting, expected to grow gradually as in Slovakia. In the 2021 elections, about 13,200 of 18,800 registered Czechs abroad cast ballots.

Czech President Petr Pavel said Sunday he supports Israel’s right to defend itself but has reservations about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, calling some “unsustainable.” Pavel stressed the need for urgent action to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and plans talks with experts and Prime Minister Petr Fiala later this month. His remarks mark a contrast with the government’s nearly unconditional support for Israel.

Two-thirds of Czechs support allowing gays and lesbians to adopt children from institutional care, while 64% back marriage equality, according to a CVVM survey released Sunday. Four in five support adoption of a partner’s child, and 85% approve of registered partnerships. Support is higher among women, younger people, and those with higher education. Respondents with gay friends expressed greater acceptance than those without such acquaintances.

Czech diplomatic staff have resumed operations at the country’s embassy in Tehran after its temporary closure in June due to the Israel-Iran conflict, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday. The first group of personnel is already in place, with more to follow. Czechia also plans to reestablish a presence in North Korea this fall and expand its Kinshasa embassy’s mandate to cover neighboring African states.

A Prague court has ordered the animal rights group Obraz to apologize to the Albert supermarket chain for campaign claims that its chickens were “deformed, burned, suffocating and sick.” Judges said the statements could mislead consumers, though footage from farms may remain public. Obraz plans to appeal, arguing its campaign reflects reality and citing freedom of expression. Albert welcomed the ruling as a key protection of its reputation.

Officials said Monday that the unique fluorite caves beneath Snežnik mountain are opening to the general public for the first time. Guided tours, previously limited to experts, will now run on the first Saturdays in September and October. To protect the site, capacity will be capped at 20 people per tour. The 650-meter-long caverns, formed in mining tunnels, maintain a steady temperature of eight degrees Celsius.