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Summary for: Czech news in brief for April 26: Sunday's top afternoon headlines
Czech leaders clash over NATO defense spending
Czech leaders clash over NATO defense spending
Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Defence Minister Jana Černochová say Czechia met NATO’s 2 percent GDP defense spending commitment, rejecting claims by current PM Andrej Babiš that the target was not reached. Fiala cited NATO’s 2025 report showing 2.01 percent spending, while Černochová accused Babiš of misrepresenting figures. Opposition figures also defended the previous government’s record.
Funding for Czech TV, Radio may change
Culture Minister Oto Klempíř said planned reforms to public service media law could still adjust funding levels for Czech Television and Czech Radio. The proposal would shift financing from licence fees to the state budget and cut billions in planned resources. The plan has sparked criticism from unions and staff, who warn it could threaten media independence. Klempíř said final funding will be decided in coalition talks, but insisted the system will remain sufficient for public service broadcasting.
Babiš to raise Turek remarks with Macinka
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš plans to discuss MP Filip Turek’s controversial comments describing civil servants as “parasites” with Foreign Minister and Motorists leader Petr Macinka, he told reporters before a trip to Central Asia. Turek has since apologised to officials he may have offended, saying his remarks referred to activists, not public servants. The statement has drawn criticism from opposition politicians.
Cars drive across new Prague bridge despite ban
Police are investigating instances of vehicles entering the newly opened Dvorecký Bridge in Prague despite restrictions limiting access to public transport and emergency services. Witness videos show several cars, including a BMW, prompting public complaints. Authorities say some vehicles belonged to integrated rescue system and are permitted. Police continue to review traffic violations on site in Prague.
Police drop case over death of teenage worker
Police in Klatovy have closed the case of a 15-year-old Ukrainian boy who died last August while working illegally in a factory in Velké Hydčice. The boy suffered fatal injuries after his arm was caught in industrial machinery. Investigators concluded that no criminal liability could be proven and that illegal employment was not directly linked to the accident. Labor inspectors are still handling the case and may impose fines on the company and staffing agency involved.
Poll results: Czech trade unions are calling for the retirement age to be lowered back to 65 from the current 67. We asked readers what they think of the proposal. A clear majority, 67 percent, support lowering the retirement age to 65, while 28 percent say it should stay at 67 and 5 percent believe it should be raised even higher to reflect rising life expectancy.
