Parliamentary elections over the weekend shifted voter preferences, but did not surprise. Three major party groups (ANO, SPOLU, and PiratStan) were expected to be grouped atop the results. ANO finished in the middle of their expected range of outcomes. SPOLU received support at the top of their expected range. PiratStan finished below their expected outcome. The only other party to receive enough votes to be represented in Parliament- SPD- finished in the lower range of their expected outcomes. The Social Democrats and the Communist Party both fell out of Parliament for the first time since 1992. Turnout bumped up from 2017 (+5%). 

Inflation in September again surprised with higher-than-expected growth. The main driver is housing costs, including the incipient rise in energy prices. Year-on-year core inflation rose to 6%. There is no doubt that the CNB will continue to raise interest rates.

Czech courts recently handed down two important (and interesting) decisions in which they considered various aspects of competition. One decision related to the liability of data storage service providers for IP infringement, and the other concerned Ryanair’s restrictions on sale of their flight tickets by third parties.

Delta Air Lines, American air carrier, is going to resume its direct flights from Prague to New York, JFK Airport, effective 26 May 2022. Throughout the summer flight schedule, the airline plans to operate the route up to seven times a week using Boeing 767-300 aircraft.