The Czech government supported a proposal to declare a new important day - Czech Flag Day - at a meeting on Monday, while rejecting a parliamentary proposal to introduce a deposit system for plastic bottles and cans. The cabinet met on 19 January 2026 at the Straka Academy for another regular meeting.
Andrej Babiš's government discussed, among other things, the Prime Minister's proposal to amend the law on public holidays, other holidays, important days and days of rest. According to the proposal, 30 March could become a significant day, the Czech Flag Day. The new day is to commemorate the anniversary of 30 March 1920, when the then Czechoslovak, now Czech flag was officially enacted.
„Hopefully we will be able to show more pride in our national symbols and our history. I am glad that the government supported this today, and I am confident that the Chamber of Deputies will support it as well.“ stated Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
The Cabinet also discussed the MPs' proposal to amend the Packaging Act, by which a group of opposition MPs proposes to introduce a deposit system for plastic beverage bottles and cans. The Cabinet has adopted a disapproving position on this proposal.
„We have a unique waste sorting system, we are successful in it. For example, I have repeatedly visited OZO Ostrava, where they are able to sort up to 90 percent of plastics, which is more than would be sorted by the backup system, so it would actually be a step backwards. It would also be an unnecessary burden on citizens. We should rather develop the existing system,“ explained the Prime Minister's position.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš also commented on the tragic shooting at the municipal office in the municipality of Chřibská in the Děčín Region. He expressed his condolences to the victims and their survivors.
„I would like to express my regret and sincere condolences to all the bereaved. It is a tragic event that we are sorry about. We have to wait for further information from the investigation and we will inform the public transparently,“ said the Prime Minister.
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