Czech news in brief for October 2: Thursday's top headlines

Czech labor offices have received about 24,500 applications for the new “super benefit” since its launch Wednesday, with nearly 60 percent submitted digitally via the Jenda app, Labor Minister Marian Jurečka said Thursday. The reform replaces four previous benefits, and recipients must reapply by year’s end to continue receiving support, with recalculated payments starting in May. The ministry expects up to 600,000 applications and is relying on about 2,250 officials to handle the switch to the new system. Officials say the reform aims to simplify administration and make state aid more transparent.

The Czech Republic supports creating deportation centers for rejected asylum seekers who cannot return home, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Hana Malá said Thursday. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has called for such centers to be located near migrants’ countries of origin and will raise the plan at a meeting of interior ministers in Munich on Saturday. Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan, though invited, will not attend due to the upcoming parliamentary elections. 

Nearly half of Czech employers say they are not interested in offering part-time work, a survey shows. Of 268 companies surveyed, 20 percent cited low economic attractiveness for applicants. The Czech Statistical Office reports less than 10 percent of workers use part-time work, compared to nearly double the EU average. Part-time work is common in IT, public administration, and healthcare, but rare in services, construction, and finance. Employers cite work organization challenges, while employees often choose part-time for personal, family, or health reasons. Two-thirds of part-time workers are women

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said Syria should see a path back to the international stage after Bashar Assad’s regime, and some sanctions could be eased. He told ČTK this would support economic recovery while maintaining regional security. President Petr Pavel also supports conditional easing after meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara. Lipavský emphasized Czechia’s continued diplomatic role and humanitarian aid, helping build water supply systems for communities. This aid also aims to prevent migration flows, showing a humanitarian approach alongside diplomatic strategy.

Political analysts said Wednesday’s live duel between Prime Minister Petr Fiala and ANO leader Andrej Babiš on CNN Prima News will have little impact on upcoming elections. Aleš Michal (Charles University) and Milan Školník (Czech University of Life Sciences) agreed the debate lacked a defining moment. Michal said Fiala appeared stronger and more assertive, while Babiš seemed tired. Školník noted Fiala was sometimes overly aggressive and Babiš gained pace later. Both agreed Fiala had a slight advantage, though no clear winner emerged.

Opposition leader Andrej Babis said his ANO movement aims to form a majority government without coalition partners after Czech parliamentary elections on Oct. 3–4. In a televised debate with Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Babis rejected cooperation with Together and ruled out alliances with Communists. Fiala warned Babis downplays Russia’s threat. The duel also touched on Ukraine, pensions, defense and Babis’s legal troubles. Another debate is set for Thursday.

At least 110 Russian-linked sabotage incidents have struck Europe since 2022, including five in Czechia, Globsec and ICCT reported. Most were arson or vandalism targeting infrastructure and public order, with Poland and France hardest hit. Some attacks targeted dissidents, including Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov, killed in Spain. Analysts warn Moscow exploits crime networks and vulnerable groups. They urge EU states to boost security budgets and counter hybrid threats.

Influenza causes about 1 percent of Czech deaths annually, surpassing traffic fatalities, doctors said at a Sanofi briefing. Seniors, who account for most flu deaths, often suffer worsened chronic illnesses without classic symptoms. Last year, 762,000 people—7 percent of the population—were vaccinated. Experts urge higher coverage to reduce hospitalizations, sick leave and economic losses. Vaccination is free for risk groups, while self-payers spend about CZK 400 per dose.

About 10 wolves live in two or three packs in Krkonoše National Park on the Czech-Polish border, rangers confirmed. A successful breeding was recorded in the western mountains this year. Officials say wolves pose no threat to visitors, though 30 livestock attacks were logged. The species, strictly protected in Czechia, is spreading along border areas. Monitoring continues as numbers rise across the country, particularly near Germany and Poland.

The U.S. Embassy in Prague said it will suspend regular updates on its website and social media due to budget cuts, limiting posts to urgent security information. Passport and visa services will continue where possible, officials said. The move follows Washington’s push to slash USD 30 billion from the State Department budget, including proposals to shut nearly 30 embassies worldwide. Travelers are advised to check travel.state.gov for information.