Czech news in brief for September 3: Wednesday's top headlines

Around 20 to 30 pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted a pre-election rally of the Spolu (Together) coalition on Prague’s Náměstí Míru on Tuesday, chanting against what they called genocide in Gaza and Czech government support for Israel. About 30 activists with Palestinian flags and signs like “Together to The Hague” and “No more weapons from our taxes” whistled, drummed and shouted slogans during a speech by Defense Minister Jana Černochová, Prime Minister Petr Fiala finished his speech despite the noise, urging dialogue and welcoming both supporters and opponents.

The average gross wage in the Czech Republic rose 7.8 percent year-on-year to CZK 49,402 in the second quarter, the Czech Statistical Office reported Wednesday. Employees saw a CZK 3,583 rise on average, and after 2.4 percent inflation, real wages grew 5.3 percent. Median pay reached CZK 41,115, with men at CZK 44,465 and women at CZK 37,935. Statisticians said this was the fastest real growth since early 2024. Two-thirds of workers earn below the average wage. Consulting firm PwC analyst Dominik Kohut also pointed out the persistent wage differences between regions. 

A 48-year-old woman from the Brno region sent nearly CZK 1.5 million to alleged American soldiers she met online, police said this afternoon. The fraud began last October when a man claiming to fight in Ukraine asked for money for treatment, travel, and an FBI fee. She later sent money to a second alleged soldier in Iraq to safeguard his “salary” of about CZK 4.9 million. Police are investigating the case, spokesman Bohumil Malášek said. The police have consistently advised primarily women who are approached by various foreign suitors seeking friendship to exercise caution.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala will meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte Thursday at Prague’s Straka Academy to discuss European security, defense cooperation, and aid to Ukraine, the government said Tuesday. Earlier, both will join the coalition-of-the-willing talks in Paris via video. Ukrainian President Zelensky and Western leaders will discuss security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire. European plans may include a multinational peacekeeping force with U.S. support, potentially involving tens of thousands of troops.

A cold front Tuesday evening and night brought rain and thunderstorms to the Czech Republic, with western Bohemia recording nearly 50 mm of precipitation, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said. Stráž nad Ohří saw 48 mm, while the Beskydy Mountains received 10–20 mm. Border areas of Bohemia and Moravia, suffering from severe soil drought, saw little to no rain. Another cold front Friday may produce similar uneven rainfall, leaving the most drought-stricken regions without significant relief.

Doctors in the Czech Republic have reported 1,348 hepatitis A cases this year, with 15 deaths, up from two last year, the State Health Institute said. The disease, linked to poor hygiene, affects children, homeless people, drug users, and socially excluded communities. Most cases are in Prague, Central Bohemia, and Moravian-Silesian regions. Authorities urge handwashing and, where possible, vaccination, though it is not fully covered by public health insurance.

Czech Television, CNN Prima News, Nova and Czech Radio will air extensive election coverage ahead of the Oct. 3–4 Chamber of Deputies vote. Debates are the centerpiece: ČT plans 14 thematic shows, four prime minister duels and a Sept. 28 super debate. Prima adds weekly and regional debates through October 1. Nova highlights final debates Oct. 2, while Czech Radio airs regional debates Sept. 15–19 and a super debate Oct. 3.

Prague Castle will open the Crown Chamber to the public Sept. 15 ahead of the free “Treasure in the Dark” exhibition. The display of the St. Wenceslas Crown, Scepter and Apple, accompanied by lectures on their World War II history, runs through Sept. 29. Schools visit first on opening days, with tours including tactile features for visually impaired students. The exhibition draws on archives, period photos, and historic objects, marking a rare public showing of the Czech crown jewels.

A study by the Czech Academy of Sciences finds the country’s financial support for university students is weak and poorly targeted, leaving many reliant on family funding. Only 1 percent receive social scholarships, and most lose aid after age 26. As a result, students often work while studying, averaging 14 hours a week, which can affect study quality. Czech support lags behind EU and OECD standards, say experts.

The Prague Signal Festival runs Oct. 16–19, showcasing 17 installations along city center and Vinohrady routes, including 10 free and seven paid exhibits. Highlights include a first-ever 3D projection on a water wall at Dvořák Embankment, Bill Viola-inspired video art at Agnes Monastery, and interactive and immersive works by Czech and international artists. Spanish, Italian, and German studios return with large-scale projections. Festival after-parties move to the larger Vinohrady Radio Palace.