Czech news in brief for August 7: Thursday's top headlines

The Czech National Bank on Thursday held its base interest rate steady at 3.5 percent, citing inflation risks. The unanimous decision by the Bank Board met market expectations. The rate, unchanged since May, was last lower in December 2021. The CNB also left the Lombard rate at 4.5 percent and the discount rate at 2.5 percent. The central bank began easing rates in December 2023 after maintaining a 7 percent rate during peak inflation.

Czech MP Tomio Okamura and his Freedom and Direct Democracy party were charged Thursday with incitement to hatred over 2024 election posters targeting migrants and Roma people, prosecutors said. The posters allegedly stirred negative emotions based on race and ethnicity. Okamura denies wrongdoing, calling the case politically motivated. If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison. The District Court for Prague 1 will hear the case.

Summer weather is set to return to the Czech Republic this week, with sunny skies and weekend temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said. Warm air from the southwest will raise daily highs to between 28 and 33 degrees, with Friday possibly hitting 31°C. Sunday afternoon may bring isolated showers or thunderstorms. Similar weather is forecast for early next week, with today’s highs ranging from 24 to 28 degrees across most regions.

Czechs assess foreigners mainly by their work experience, Czech language skills and economic contribution, a new study by Palacky University in Olomouc found. Based on a national survey of adults, the research shows that even personal contact with migrants does not shift expectations. Highly skilled foreigners still face discrimination, language hurdles and degree recognition issues. The study, led by researcher Lucie Mackova, was conducted as part of a project supported by the Czech Science Foundation.

Cryptocurrency trading volume in Czech exchange offices surged by over two-thirds in July to nearly CZK 1.5 billion, according to exchange data. Despite a typical trend of higher purchases, July saw more sales amid a spike in Bitcoin’s value, which hit a record high near USD 123,000 (about CZK 2.8 million). Ethereum also soared, gaining over 53 percent. Analysts cite profit-taking and capital shifts to altcoins. Trading volume for the year reached CZK 9.3 billion, with expectations of renewed market growth by September.

Experts say the Czech Republic's strong pro-Israel stance, unique within the EU, does not lead to diplomatic isolation. While other EU nations consider recognizing Palestine, Czech officials stress a two-state solution but oppose recognition now. The Czech government continues humanitarian support in Gaza and aligns with EU partners on most other foreign policy issues, maintaining overall cohesion in European diplomacy, analysts explain.

A drunk passenger was arrested at Václav Havel Airport on Wednesday after falsely claiming there was a bomb on a Prague-to-Malaga flight. The man had earlier been removed from the Smartwings plane for intoxication. Police evacuated 190 passengers and searched the aircraft; no explosives were found. The flight was delayed for hours. The man faces charges of spreading a false bomb threat, authorities said.

Spotify has raised subscription prices in the Czech Republic, with individual plans up from CZK 169 to CZK 185. Student, Duo, and Family plans also saw increases. The company cites product innovation for the hike. Despite turning a profit last year, Spotify posted lower-than-expected revenue in 2025’s first half, leading to renewed losses. Shares have risen 41.5 percent since January amid continued subscriber growth.

An express train from Klatovy struck and killed a man near Prague’s Smíchov station Tuesday morning, halting traffic toward Beroun for over two hours, police said. Emergency crews evacuated passengers and began investigating the incident. Several long-distance trains were canceled or rerouted, according to Czech Railways. Service resumed before 10 a.m. The cause of the man’s presence on the tracks remains under investigation.

Four Czech directors, including Jiří Mádl and Václav Marhoul, demand a redo of the Oscar selection process after the Czech Film and Television Academy presidium bypassed member voting and backed The Choirmaster. Critics call the process undemocratic and say it harms films like Franz, which was left out. The selection sparked backlash due to ethical concerns tied to its subject matter and a lack of transparency in the process.