Czech news in brief for March 21: Saturday's top afternoon headlines

A rally organized by Million Moments for Democracy began at Prague’s Letná Plain shortly after 3 p.m., with organizers expecting 200,000 to 400,000 participants. The protest criticizes the government over public media funding, defense cuts, and its approach to security and democracy. The site is divided by security corridors and staffed by hundreds of volunteers, police, firefighters, and medics. Heavy crowds also disrupted access at Hradčanská metro station.

Authorities are investigating the fire at LPP Holding in Pardubice, east Bohemia, as a suspected arson. The company manufactures MTS 40 drones for Ukraine, and hundreds have already been delivered. Czech police are considering four possible causes, all involving intentional action. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš highlighted inadequate security at the site, recalling the 2014 Vrbětice attacks. Claims that the blaze targeted Israeli drone production are false, and LPP is cooperating fully with investigators.

Czechia will see rain across most regions on this weekend, with snow in areas above 800–900 meters in the mountains, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts. Daytime temperatures will range from 6–11 degrees Celsius in most locales. Rain is expected to ease in the afternoon and evening. Sunday will bring calmer weather, with mostly clear skies in the morning and daytime highs of 9–14  degrees Celsius, with only occasional light showers.

Gasoline prices in Czechia have reached their highest level since May 2024, and the country may consider broader measures if fuel hits CZK 50 per liter, says MP Radim Fiala. He mentioned possible adjustments to excise and VAT or using state reserves to stabilize prices. The conflict in the Middle East has pushed average gasoline prices to CZK 40 per liter and diesel to CZK 44.62 per liter. Analysts warn that global supply shortages and market uncertainty could keep prices high despite potential easing of tensions.

The European Commission has paid Czechia EUR 614 million (about CZK 15 billion) from the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support projects in affordable housing, sustainable transport, and energy efficiency. The funds also cover electric vehicle purchases, charging infrastructure, digital transformation, 5G network development, and new university programs. With this fifth disbursement, Czechia has received 77 percent of its total EUR 8.75 billion allocation.