Czech news in brief for September 1: Monday's top headlines

A previously unnamed section of Prague’s waterfront near Charles Bridge will be named after late politician and diplomat Karel Schwarzenberg, the City Council decided today. Schwarzenberg (1937–2023) served as foreign minister in 2007–09 and 2010–13 and was a close ally of Václav Havel. The proposal came from Prague 1 district and was backed by the city’s toponymical commission. Mayor Terezie Radoměřská said the naming reflects Schwarzenberg’s modesty and personal ties to the historic city center.

The Czech Republic will lease 12 JAS-39 Gripen aircraft from Sweden after 2027 under a CZK 16.7 billion contract signed today by the Defense Ministry. The deal, valid until 2035, covers servicing and pilot training. Czechia will also spend CZK 4 billion on upgrades. The current lease for 14 jets ends in 2027, when 24 US F-35s will gradually replace Gripens. The ministry said the reduced fleet will still secure Czech airspace and pilot training.

The Czech Finance Ministry proposed a CZK 286 billion budget deficit for 2026, with revenues of CZK 2.1 trillion and expenditures of CZK 2.3 trillion, including a repayable CZK 18.3 billion nuclear loan and CZK 30.7 billion for defense. Excluding these, the deficit would be CZK 237 billion. Defense spending is set above 2 percent of GDP. Revenues are projected to rise 0.4 percent, expenditures by 2.3 percent, and the structural deficit is estimated at 1.75 percent of GDP.

Czech manufacturing conditions declined slightly in August, with the PMI falling to 49.4 from 49.7 in July, marking two consecutive months of contraction, S&P Global reported. Production stagnated and layoffs continued, though new orders grew fastest since February 2022. Analysts cited supply chain issues, US tariffs, and weak German demand as constraints. Strengthening of the koruna moderated input costs, but overall sector confidence remains cautious, with optimism hinging on future domestic and European economic recovery.

The Czech Justice Ministry continued instructing the transfer of donated bitcoins at auction even after Minister Pavel Blažek learned part had been seized as possible crime proceeds, an external audit shows. Deputy Minister Radomír Danhel oversaw the donation, while Blažek was aware of the seizure. Blažek criticized authorities for not alerting the government earlier. Police linked the cryptocurrency to darknet activity by donor Tomáš Jirikovský, but other ministries had no legal obligation to intervene.

Nearly 1.5 million pupils and high schoolers return to Czech classrooms Monday, including 118,000 first graders—about 2,000 fewer than last year. While overall first-grade numbers rose by 5,000, higher grades fell by 6,000. High schools gained 10,000 students year-over-year. Education officials say shifting demographics are reshaping enrollment, with long-term implications for the country’s workforce and education planning.

Czech Railways launched Pendolino service from Prague to České Budějovice, marking the first time trains will run at 200 km/h in the country. The route cuts travel to 90–95 minutes, aided by modernized tracks and tilting technology. Transport Minister Martin Kupka hailed it as a milestone after 25 years at 160 km/h. The service extends connections across Moravia and Bohemia.

Michal Strnad, head of CSG, is now the richest Czech with assets of CZK 330 billion, Euro magazine reported. The arms tycoon overtook energy mogul Daniel Křetínský, whose wealth dropped to CZK 280 billion amid slowing energy markets. Renáta Kellnerová and family ranked second at CZK 315 billion. The shake-up reflects booming defense industries, while energy magnates lost billions this year.

In a weekend televised debate, Czech MPs Michaela Šebelová (STAN) and Iveta Štefanová (SPD) agreed primary care shortages strain the health system, but differed on fixes—Šebelová urged empowering nurses, while Štefanová called for cutting bureaucracy. Surveys show patients cite long waits as the top issue. Health Minister Vlastimil Válek pledged mandatory e-referrals by 2026 to track waits, which could save billions.

Florence + The Machine will perform at Prague’s O2 Arena for the first time on March 5, 2026. The tour will feature their biggest hits and tracks from the upcoming album Everybody Screams, out Oct. 31. Tickets start at CZK 1,390, with presales beginning Sept. 3 for fan club members and general sales opening Sept. 5 through Ticketmaster and Ticketportal.