Czech news in brief for September 26: Friday's top headlines

Opposition ANO fell to 28 percent in the latest STEM election model, its lowest since January, though still leading. Together coalition rose to 21 percent, SPD gained to third place, while STAN stagnated at 12.2 percent. Pirates, Motorists, and Enough! movements also remain in contention. ANO would win 63 seats if elections were held now, followed by Together with 46. STEM surveyed 1,500+ respondents.

Police identified the boy filmed riding a Prague metro coupler on Aug. 26, who is under 15, preventing further information release. The incident briefly disrupted line C service. Security footage shows him riding from Kačerov to Chodov, navigating along walls and train couplers. Two other men appeared involved, one distracting the driver and another filming the stunt on a mobile phone. Police warned against similar dangerous acts.

Ministry data show that Ukrainian refugees in Czechia contributed CZK 15 billion in social and health insurance and taxes in the first half of 2025, while receiving CZK 7.6 billion in state aid. About 169,000 refugees with temporary protection are working. Revenues began exceeding expenditures in Q3 2023. Humanitarian, health, and education support continues, though per-capita aid is lower than domestic benefits.

Former Deputy Mayor Petr Hlubuček (STAN) continues testifying in the Prague Transport Company corruption trial. He denies bribery or organized crime links. Co-defendant Martin Vejsada and main suspect Michal Redl are also involved. Prosecutors propose eight- to ten-year sentences for key actors. The trial has led to resignations of STAN officials, including former Education Minister Petr Gazdík and civil intelligence head Petr Mlejnek.

Guided walks based on Dan Brown’s The Secret of All Secrets have sparked strong interest. Prague City Tourism reports visitors seek cultural, historical, and literary sites featured in the book. English-language tours lead to locations including the Old Jewish Cemetery, Old Synagogue, Klementinum, and Charles Bridge. Additional itineraries are planned for Bastion in Karlov, Folimanka shelter, Petrin Hill, and left-bank Vltava sites.