Czech news in brief for May 1: Thursday's top headlines

Several hundred anarchists marched through Prague on May Day, rallying under the slogan “Make Fascists Afraid Again.” The parade followed a Labour Day picnic on Strelecky ostrov and continued with music on Stvanice Island. Left-wing politicians, including Social Democrat chair Jana Malacova, criticized the government’s economic policies. Meanwhile, student celebrations opened the 13th annual Student Majales festival with a costumed parade through the city.

A U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal signed Wednesday proves Kyiv is ready for peace talks, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said, accusing Russia of stalling. The agreement grants U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for investing in postwar reconstruction. Signed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian Vice PM Yulia Svyrydenko, the deal follows earlier delays linked to tensions between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskzy.

Slovak leaders marked the 20th anniversary of EU membership by praising its benefits while acknowledging its flaws. President Peter Pellegrini called the EU a vital space of shared values and security. Opposition figures accused PM Robert Fico’s government of isolating Slovakia within the bloc, criticizing his Moscow ties. Despite past EU criticisms, Fico denied any plans to exit the union, as pro-European rallies continue across the country.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will soon update the cabinet on its ongoing review of relations with China. Though no formal document is expected, lawmakers have urged transparency. The review aligns with government policy and mirrors a similar report on Russia. Lawmakers stress the need for a strategic European response to China’s growing assertiveness in global affairs and economic influence, particularly amid rising U.S.-China tensions.

Only 11.3 percent of Czechs were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024, the lowest rate in the EU, Eurostat said. Bulgaria and Romania had the highest shares, exceeding 27 percent. Employment and education remained key factors. Czechia outperformed even Scandinavian nations, reflecting its effective social safety net, economist Lukas Kovanda said. Across the EU, 21 percent of people—about 93 million—were at risk last year.l

The Czech Republic is hosting major global productions, including Amazon's action series Ride or Die and Netflix’s period drama The Age of Innocence, likened to Bridgerton. Prague’s Karlín recently saw stunt filming for Ride or Die, starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham. Political shifts in Hungary have boosted Czechia’s appeal. Additional projects include Foundation Season 4, The Empress, and international period dramas for Apple, Disney+, and more.

Czechia will celebrate May 1st with rallies, parades, and traditional May Day festivities. Political parties, including social democrats and communists,are set to gather on Prague’s Střelecký Island. Anarchist groups and student parades will also mark the day. Other events include maypole raisings and historical commemorations in towns like Zlín. Labor Day, first marked in Czech lands in 1890, honors the 1886 U.S. workers’ strike for labor rights.

Cherry trees in Czech lowlands have finished blooming, pushing couples seeking a traditional May Day kiss under blossoms to higher altitudes. Meteorologists say a late spring followed by a warm March accelerated blooming. Unlike last year, frosts did not damage blossoms. Experts note cities bloom earlier due to heat islands. Phenological data show earlier flowering trends, signaling ongoing impacts of climate change on vegetation cycles.