Czech news in brief for May 2: Friday's top headlines

Dozens of police officers will be deployed Sunday to secure the visit of a foreign statesman received by President Petr Pavel at Prague Castle, a police spokesman said Friday. While the visitor's identity was not confirmed, media report it will likely be Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Officers from the protection service, immigration police, and regional units will be involved. Police do not anticipate road closures or major disruptions during the visit, which will follow standard security protocols.

The Czech state budget deficit rose to CZK 126.1 billion in April, up from CZK 91.2 billion in March, the Finance Ministry said this afternoon. It marks the fourth deepest April deficit since the country’s founding. Last year’s April shortfall reached CZK 153.1 billion. Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura credited the year-on-year improvement to economic growth and a government consolidation package. Revenues grew 5.2 percent to CZK 622.7 billion , while expenditures rose 0.5 percent to CZK 748.8 billion.

April 2025 was among the warmest in the Czech Republic since 1961, with an average temperature of 10.3 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees above the long-term norm, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said Friday. It ranked as the sixth to seventh warmest April on record and the second warmest in the past decade. Temperatures were mostly above normal, except for brief cold spells. Precipitation levels remained average. The warmest April ever, in 2018, averaged 12.7 degrees Celsius.

Strong thunderstorms are forecast Saturday afternoon in northern and eastern Czech Republic, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said. A cold front will bring torrential rain, hail up to 2 cm, and winds exceeding 70 km/h. The warning, in effect from noon to 10 p.m., covers regions including Liberec and Hradec Králové. Meteorologists warn of localized flooding, falling branches, and hazardous driving conditions. Residents are urged to take precautions against lightning and storm-related damage.

Czech officials gathered Friday at Pankrác Prison to honor victims of the 1945 Prague Uprising and over 1,000 executed by Nazis there. Senate Vice-Speaker Jiří Drahoš, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda, and Government Office head Jana Kotalíková laid wreaths and paid tribute to anti-Nazi resistance fighter Emil Lány. Drahoš emphasized the uprising’s legacy of courage and sacrifice, calling it a vital reminder of the Czech fight for freedom, democracy, and human dignity.

Prague assemblyman Jan Wolf urged Interior Minister Vít Rakušan to investigate police actions during Saturday’s March for Life. The event was blocked by abortion rights supporters. Wolf criticized police for failing to clear the route. Rakušan defended the response, saying police prioritized safety for families and avoided conflict. No injuries or damage occurred. The march ended prematurely before police could fully intervene.

The Czech Environmental Inspectorate reported stabilized conditions at Hustopece Lake near Prerov following a toxic benzene spill from a February train derailment. Benzene levels have dropped below detection limits, except near the shoreline. Groundwater tests showed no contamination. Officials continue cleanup and monitoring, with full health impact results expected mid-May. A remediation project is underway to fully address the ecological damage.

Czech secondary school students begin state-leaving exams today, taking didactic tests in mathematics, English, and French. About 80,800 students are participating, nearly 7 percent more than last year. English remains the most selected optional subject, followed by mathematics. Oral and written tests occur later in May. Exams are scored with a pass/fail system. Final results are expected by May 15.

Czech Customs and Trade officials conducted the year’s largest counterfeit raid at Prague’s SAPA market, seizing over 10,000 fake goods including clothes, shoes, and handbags. The items, found in warehouses, are valued at millions of crowns. Last year, similar operations confiscated 30,000 counterfeit products worth nearly CZK 98 million. Authorities are continuing investigations into the illegal merchandise distribution network.

Pilsen has launched five days of events marking 80 years since U.S. forces liberated the city. The Freedom Celebrations feature concerts, ceremonies, and a military parade. King Philippe of Belgium and President Petr Pavel will attend the May 6 memorial. Veteran Harry Humason, 99, will return for the first time since 1945. Tens of thousands are expected for the citywide commemoration.