Czech news in brief for May 5: Monday's top headlines

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Czech Senate leaders Monday at Wallenstein Palace, marking his second visit to the upper house. Senate President Miloš Vystrčil welcomed him before a 40-minute meeting with deputy heads and key committee chairs. Earlier, Zelenskyy met with Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová. Czech leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, pledging continued military aid and assistance with postwar reconstruction. A year and a half ago, the Czech Senate and Ukraine concluded a memorandum on supporting Ukraine versus Russia.

Public sector unions in the Czech Republic are pushing for a roughly 7 percent real wage increase in 2026 and have called on the government to begin negotiations. Union leader Josef Středula said talks should conclude by mid-August, ahead of fall elections, warning that delays could prompt stronger union action. Finance Ministry forecasts project 5.4 percent nominal wage growth next year, with average pay expected to reach CZK 51,870. Středula has previously threatened strike action if requests are not met.

Czech police are investigating three overdoses, including two deaths, linked to a suspected synthetic opioid, authorities said Monday. All cases involved a white crystalline substance, believed to be a powerful new psychoactive drug. One victim survived due to rapid emergency response. The National Drug Control Center warned the public against experimenting with such substances, which can be lethal in tiny doses. Toxicological tests are underway to confirm the drug’s identity and source.

President Petr Pavel awarded King Philippe of Belgium the Order of the White Lion, the Czech Republic’s highest honor, during a ceremony Thursday at Prague Castle. The award recognizes the king’s role in strengthening Czech-Belgian relations and preserving shared historical memory, particularly their common fight for freedom. Pavel praised the two nations’ mutual support, past and present, including military cooperation in World War II and joint assistance to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

Czechs are more skeptical than Slovaks about U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential to bring peace to Ukraine, a March survey by the Central European Digital Media Observatory found. Only 38 percent of Czechs expected a positive influence, compared to over four in 10 Slovaks. The survey, led by Charles University, showed neither country had high expectations for Trump’s role. Respondents in both nations were more hopeful about his impact on the U.S. economy and U.S.-Russia relations than on resolving the Ukraine conflict.

The opposition ANO movement has launched a new campaign featuring party leader Andrej Babiš and slogans like “On the side of Czechia.” Billboards compare the current government with Babiš’s term, citing cheaper goods and lower debt. The campaign continues ANO’s criticism of Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s administration ahead of autumn elections. ANO leads in polls with over 30 percent support.

Czechia rose seven spots to 10th in the World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders announced Thursday. Contributing factors include increased public media fees, President Petr Pavel’s press-friendly stance, and opposition leader Andrej Babiš no longer owning media outlets. While physical violence is rare, online harassment and editorial interference remain concerns. Upcoming elections could significantly impact the country’s media independence, experts warned.

King Philippe of Belgium began a two-day official visit to the Czech Republic on Monday, his first in 25 years. He was received by President Petr Pavel at Prague Castle and is expected to receive a state decoration. The visit includes a trip to the Pilsen Freedom Festival. Philippe became king in 2013, succeeding his father, Albert II, who last visited Czechia in 2000.

A cold front moving over the Alps will bring below-average temperatures and scattered ground frosts to the Czech Republic from May 5 to 11. Daytime highs will range from 9 to 16°C, with nighttime lows dropping to 0°C in some areas. Light rain is expected in the south early in the week, but precipitation overall will remain below average, meteorologists said.

Czechia’s largest spa town launched its spa season Saturday with a push to extend guest stays. Mayor Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová said that despite record visitor numbers in 2024, average stays of 3.5 days remain too short. The city aims to boost both domestic and regional tourism, particularly among Polish and Slovak visitors. Officials say longer stays are key to sustaining the spa economy.