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Summary for: Czech news in brief for March 28: Saturday's top afternoon headlines
Czech and Slovak governments to meet
Czech and Slovak governments to meet after 3-year hiatus
The Czech and Slovak governments will hold joint talks in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, resuming consultations after a three-year pause. The meetings were previously suspended in 2024 due to foreign policy disagreements, particularly over Ukraine. The renewed cooperation follows a political shift in Prague and Bratislava, with both cabinets now signaling closer alignment. A memorandum on enhanced cooperation in foreign policy, defense, and the economy is expected to be signed.
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Police chief: Pardubice attack a warning
Police President Martin Vondrášek described the March 20 arson attack in Pardubice as a serious case and a warning signal, as it may be investigated as terrorism. He told Novinky.cz that such incidents remain rare but cannot be ruled out in the future. Police have detained three suspects, including one abroad, and continue investigating. Vondrášek also stressed growing online crime and the need to strengthen police capabilities in digital environments.
Fiala rejects cooperation with Babiš
Former Czech prime minister Petr Fiala said cooperation between his ODS party and Andrej Babiš’s ANO movement “was never on the table,” rejecting a proposal by activist Mikuláš Minář. Speaking to the media after last weekend's protest in Prague, Fiala said the idea of opposition parties supporting an ANO minority government to sideline SPD lacks logic. He added that no negotiations between ODS and ANO had taken place following the last election.
Czechia sees surge in military recruitment
The Czech Army has already filled nearly two-thirds of its annual recruitment target in the first quarter, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna said. The goal for 2026 is 2,250 new recruits, with 65.5 percent already achieved. The minister highlighted ongoing investments in housing, training, and personnel conditions to support further growth. The army aims to reach 30,000 professional soldiers by 2030 while improving infrastructure and retention measures.
Fifth of Czechs to spend less this Easter
About one fifth of Czechs plan to celebrate Easter more modestly this year due to financial pressure, while 31 percent of low-income households are cutting back, according to an Ipsos survey. Only 5 percent expect to spend more. Most households plan to keep spending under CZK 2,000, often saving on decorations and food. Despite traditions like egg decorating and baking, fewer people plan to take part in local customs such as making whips or going to church.
Poll results: Following reports that Czech Education Minister Robert Plaga will not dismiss deputy Zdeněk Kettner over sharing a fake AI-generated image linking opposition figures to the Pardubice arson case, we asked readers whether he should face consequences. A large majority, 87 percent, said he should be fired, while 8 ppercent supported some form of punishment short of dismissal, and 5 percent said he should face no penalty.
