Czech news in brief for June 5: Thursday's top headlines

Outgoing Justice Minister Pavel Blažek told members of parliament Thursday the country's current bitcoin case is not one of corruption and emphasized the state gained CZK 1 billion. He acknowledged flaws in handling a donation from a convicted man, calling it an ethical misstep. Blazek apologized for underestimating the matter’s impact and said the decision occurred solely within his ministry. He rejected claims implicating other officials and urged a full investigation while refraining from further public comment during the ongoing inquiry.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on Wednesday reaffirmed support for Ukraine and backed a proposed 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. He criticized Slovakia's recent resolution barring its ministers from endorsing new sanctions, calling it harmful to European security. Slovakia, an EU member, had supported previous sanctions but now risks blocking further measures, which require unanimous approval from all member states. The EU’s latest sanctions follow Russia’s continued military aggression in Ukraine.

The Czech police union welcomed a CZK 3,000 monthly pay raise for police and firefighters starting in July but criticized the government for excluding Prison Service staff from the decision. Union chairman Tomáš Machovič said the issue must be addressed with incoming Justice Minister Eva Decroix. He called for a systemic solution including annual wage valorization and better benefits. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said pay hikes for prison and customs officers are planned for 2026.

Opposition ANO leader Andrej Babiš on Thursday called for Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s government to resign, citing a bitcoin donation scandal involving the Justice Ministry. Speaking ahead of an urgent parliamentary session, Babiš accused the cabinet of damaging the country’s reputation abroad and allowing organized crime to reach the highest levels of government. The case, linked to suspected money laundering, has already prompted the resignation of Justice Minister Pavel Blažek. Babiš also criticized the use of the National Security Council in the matter.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands unveiled the Bell of Freedom in central Prague on Thursday. The bell, cast from remnants of weapons used in the war in Ukraine, was officially handed over to the Church of the Holy Saviour in a ceremony attended by Czech President Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová. Catholic priest Tomáš Halík blessed the bell, calling it a symbol of peace. The project was initiated by the Dutch Embassy and a Prague civic group.

The Czech government approved the Safe Childhood initiative to combat child violence and suicides. The plan includes 14 new mental health centers, school support teams, and enhanced parenting programs. Officials say 37 percent of children face multiple traumatic experiences by age 18. The CZK 600 million plan responds to rising youth crime and past violence, aiming to coordinate care and reduce long-term public costs.

Firefighters responded to 168 storm-related incidents overnight, mostly in Central Bohemia, due to flooding and fallen trees. Rail traffic was disrupted, and the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute issued extreme weather warnings. Some areas reported hail up to 4 cm and wind gusts near 100 km/h. An especially strong storm tracked from Příbram toward Prague, prompting safety alerts for flash flooding and property damage.

The average wage in the Czech Republic rose 6.7 percent year-on-year to CZK 46,924 in Q1 2025, with a 3.9 percent real increase after inflation. The median wage was CZK 38,385. Highest salaries were in IT and finance, while hospitality lagged. Regional differences persist, with Prague leading and Karlovy Vary trailing. Though wages are rising, analysts say they still haven't returned to pre-pandemic purchasing power.

Czech drivers pay significantly more for fuel abroad despite having some of the lowest prices in the EU at home. Gas in Germany or Italy costs up to CZK 8 more per liter. Analysts cite lower taxes, market competition, and refinery margins for domestic prices. Fuel is cheapest in Bulgaria. Drivers are advised to plan routes carefully to avoid costly stations near highways and borders.

Glassmakers at Karlovy Vary’s Moser glassworks are producing the iconic Crystal Globes for the 25th time for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Each handmade globe requires up to four attempts to meet strict quality standards. Introduced in 2000, the statuette’s current design, refined over time, will feature again at this year’s 59th festival, running July 4–12. The statue’s new form debuted at last year’s edition.