Czech news in brief for January 4: Sunday's top afternoon headlines

Around 50 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Prague on Jan. 4 to protest American air strikes in Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro. Demonstrators likened the action to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the 1968 Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. The peaceful protest lasted about an hour under police supervision. Czech politicians remain divided over the legality and potential consequences of the U.S. intervention.

Antonín Kolář, a teacher and mayor of Semněvice, wrote a petition to the Ukrainian ambassador apologizing for comments made by Chamber of Deputies Speaker Tomio Okamura, which criticized Ukraine and its leadership. The petition, signed by nearly 30,000 people, emphasizes that Okamura represents a minority view and condemns his statements as contrary to democratic values. The Czech Foreign Minister plans to invite the ambassador for discussions amid growing political tension.

Czech defense spending for 2025 reached CZK 171.5 billion, allowing the country to meet NATO’s two percent of GDP target for the second time in 20 years. Most funds went to army salaries and advance payments for fighter jets, anti-aircraft systems, and infantry vehicles. An additional CZK 15.5 billion from other state agencies contributed to meeting the alliance goal. Officials confirmed the increase occurred primarily in December, ahead of year-end reporting.

Meteorologists have issued a severe frost warning for most of Czechia from Monday through Thursday morning, with night temperatures expected to fall between –12°C and –16°C in some areas. Daytime temperatures will mostly remain below freezing, creating widespread icy conditions. Eastern Moravia may be slightly warmer due to cloud cover. Authorities advise residents—especially children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions—to limit outdoor exposure and take precautions against the cold.

A family-run coffee roaster from Litoměřice won a silver medal in the European round of the Global Coffee Awards and was named the best roaster in the Czech Republic. Founded in 2017 in a basement, the company now roasts around six tons annually and plans to move to larger facilities to improve operations. Owners Michal and Jana Ptáček emphasize quality, fair trade, and direct bean selection in their roasting process.