Czech news in brief for June 25: Wednesday's top headlines

 Ostrava Zoo has successfully bred critically endangered eastern polecats, marking a rare achievement in its Tibetan and Chinese bird aviaries. The current breeding pair, acquired from Amsterdam Zoo, produced seven eggs in a walk-through aviary, now closed to protect the nest. “We observed the male ready to chase away any intruder,” said breeding inspector Vojtěch Bonczek. The zoo also closed the area to protect a nearby nesting oystercatcher, which laid three eggs.

The Czech National Bank on Wednesday left its base interest rate unchanged at 3.5 percent, a move widely expected by financial markets. The board’s decision was unanimous, and the Czech crown showed little reaction. Governor Aleš Michl said rates will likely remain stable, but all options remain open. He emphasized the need for a strict monetary policy to keep inflation near the 2 percent target, citing lingering inflationary pressures in services and food. May inflation stood at 2.4 percent.

At a NATO summit in The Hague, Czech President Petr Pavel announced that all member states have agreed to raise defence spending to 5 percent of GDP within ten years. Of this, 3.5 percent will go directly to the military and 1.5 percent to broader security areas like cybersecurity and infrastructure. Despite initial concerns from countries like Spain, no member explicitly opposed the plan, signaling renewed unity on collective defence responsibilities.

In January, police foiled an arson attempt on a Brno synagogue linked to an extremist group operating across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and the UK. Five young suspects, mostly under 18, were detained for promoting terrorism and hate on social media. The group, radicalized online without ties to local Muslim communities, possessed weapons and planned possible larger attacks. Authorities warn about youth radicalization on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Internet and social media have transformed election campaigns through micro-targeting and emotionally charged, radical content, experts say. Political scientist Jan Charvát of Charles University said online platforms reduce outreach costs by segmenting voters using behavioral data. Algorithms amplify extreme posts, favoring non-traditional actors, he noted. Jakub Drmola of Masaryk University warned that fragmented online networks ease the spread of misinformation.

About 77 percent of Czechs plan to vacation this year, with 39 percent traveling abroad and 36 percent staying in the Czech Republic, a May survey by research company NMS shows. Seaside trips remain the top choice at 37 percent, followed by mountain hikes at 33 percent. Most prefer stays of six to 10 days. Poll analysts noted rising demand for active holidays and advised against relying solely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC; blue card) when traveling abroad.

Opposition ANO chairman Andrej Babiš announced today he is filing a criminal complaint against expert witness Vítězslav Hálek, accusing him of perjury and a false expert opinion in the Čapí hnízdo subsidy case. Speaking in the Czech lower house, Babiš denounced the Prague High Court’s ruling as politically driven and defended his refusal to resign.

American hurdler Chris Robinson won the 400-meter hurdles at the Golden Spike meet Wednesday with a season-best 48.05 seconds—despite a wardrobe malfunction. The 24-year-old repeatedly adjusted his slipping shorts mid-race, unintentionally exposing himself on camera. Still, he finished strong, smiling at the finish line.

Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová reaffirmed support for NATO’s proposed 5 percent GDP defense spending target at a meeting in The Hague. She urged easing industry constraints to boost capabilities. NATO plans to increase funding for military and broader security needs, with U.S. officials stressing urgency in strengthening European defense against Russian aggression.

The Czech Republic produced 1.5 million cars last year—matching France and Italy combined—making it the EU’s third-largest auto producer. Škoda Auto built nearly 900,000 vehicles, boosting national output to a record. While production slowed early this year, industry officials report a return to healthy levels, according to the Automotive Industry Association.

Czech President Petr Pavel has been declared medically fit for duty with no limitations following a comprehensive check-up. The report, released by the presidential office, showed improved cholesterol and uric acid levels. Pavel, who promised annual public updates on his health, sustained only minor injuries during his presidency. His condition remains stable, with no significant concerns.

Nearly half of Czech adults are overweight, with 90 percent dissatisfied with their weight, according to a May STEM/MARK survey released Wednesday. Despite this, 80 percent of overweight individuals struggle to lose weight, and many do not overeat or enjoy eating. About 21 percent of men and 18 percent of women are obese. Health officials warn of rising obesity in children and plan new measures targeting prevention, treatment, and education..

A growing number of Czech teachers lack required credentials, with one in ten now unqualified, education officials warn. The ministry has ordered universities to admit more teaching students amid a looming retirement wave. Some 11,000 teachers could be missing in five years. Low pay, difficult conditions, and better job prospects in other fields deter education graduates.

A new exhibit at Prague’s Lucerna Palace honors women who resisted Czechoslovakia’s communist regime. Titled NepremoZENY, the six-day showcase by People in Need highlights stories of political prisoners like Milada Horáková and Dagmar Šimková. Their letters and memoirs detail brutal interrogations and courage. The event marks 75 years since Horáková’s execution.