Czech news in brief for January 6: Tuesday’s top morning headlines

Finance Minister Alena Schillerová will present Czechia’s budget results on last year’s economy Tuesday. The planned deficit of CZK 241 billion is expected to be exceeded, potentially reaching over CZK 271 billion. By the end of November, the deficit stood at CZK 232.4 billion. The Ministry of Finance will also release preliminary figures on state debt, which rose by CZK 152.7 billion during the year to around CZK 3.518 trillion by September.

Parts of Czechia woke up to extreme cold on Tuesday, with temperatures falling below −20°C in several regions, including −25.8°C in Jizerka in the Liberec Region. Meteorologists warned that road salt becomes less effective at such temperatures, increasing the risk of icy roads. Road workers urged drivers to use caution, especially in mountainous areas where some roads remain untreated or only lightly maintained.

Czechia’s under-20 ice hockey team fell short of gold at the World Junior Championship on Monday, losing 4–2 to Sweden in the final in St. Paul, USA. Despite a late comeback attempt, the Czechs could not overturn Sweden’s lead. The result extends Czechia’s junior medal streak to four years, adding a second silver to recent bronze finishes. The team’s last world junior title remains from 2001.

Czech health experts anticipate an increase in infectious diseases this year, citing a decline in population immunity, underreporting, and concerns about vaccination. Last year, 150,000 cases of 52 monitored infections were recorded, including COVID-19, intestinal infections, chickenpox, Lyme disease, and hepatitis A. Automated reporting systems are likely to boost the recorded numbers further. Doctors also warn of emerging threats, including bird flu and tropical diseases, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and adult vaccinations to reduce the risk.

Hundreds of people gathered in Prague’s historic center on Monday as the traditional Three Kings (Epiphany) procession passed through the city, featuring figures dressed as the Magi riding camels. The event highlighted the nationwide Epiphany charity collection run by Caritas Czech Republic, the country’s largest fundraising drive, which raised a record CZK 184.5 million last year. The procession ended at Old Town Square with a nativity scene and concert.