Czech news in brief for October 8: Wednesday's top headlines

Czech politicians lauded Prime Minister Petr Fiala after he announced he will not seek re-election as Civic Democratic Party (ODS) chairman following the coalition’s election loss. Lawmakers praised Fiala’s decency, professionalism and leadership, calling him the country’s best modern prime minister. Allies including Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Vít Rakušan, and Jan Lipavský thanked him for restoring dignity to politics and defending the Czech Republic’s pro-Western stance.

The military junta in Burkina Faso arrested eight members of a humanitarian NGO, including a Czech national and two French citizens, on charges of espionage and treason, AFP reported Tuesday. The detainees worked for INSO, which provides security analysis to humanitarian groups. Authorities said the NGO collected sensitive information for foreign powers. The Czech government is in contact with the detainee’s family to consider consular assistance.

The Czech Republic is weighing the transfer of about 30 modernized T-72M4CZ tanks to Ukraine, according to RBK-Ukraine. Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka is expected to recommend the move to the government. The tanks, comparable to Russia’s T-90M models, were upgraded with advanced targeting systems and dynamic armor. They could bolster Ukraine’s armored forces as Czech units transition to Leopard 2A4 tanks.

The average Czech mortgage rate fell to 4.91 percent in early October, the lowest level since April 2022, according to Swiss Life Hypoindex data. The drop of 0.08 percentage points was driven by discounts on five-year fixed loans, now averaging 4.80 percent. Three-year fixations rose slightly to 4.57 percent. Analysts say banks are using varying strategies amid global uncertainty and cautious monetary policy from the Czech National Bank.

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles now account for 10.73 percent of all new cars sold in the Czech Republic, marking a record high, the Association of Automobile Importers reported. Škoda leads the market with its Enyaq and new Elroq models, representing over a third of all electric sales. So far this year, more than 10,000 battery-powered cars have been registered nationwide, nearly doubling figures from 2024.

Hockey star Jaromír Jágr is publishing his authorized biography, Já68, co-written with Sport editor Lukáš Tomek and journalist Zdeněk Janda after 13 years of work. The 500-page book chronicles his career from childhood to the NHL and Russia, covering fame, money, and personal life. Exclusive interviews include Mario Lemieux, Jágr’s mentor. Pre-sales begin today at CZK 899, with official release on Oct. 15.