Czech news in brief for May 8: Thursday's top headlines

Several hundred people rallied in Prague’s Republic Square on Wednesday, calling for improved Czech-Russian relations, while a smaller opposition group also gathered. The protest, organized by anti-government activist Ladislav Vrábel, criticized Czech leaders and the media for fueling anti-Russian sentiment and backing Ukraine. Vrábel condemned past and current policies toward Russia, blaming the U.S. for the war in Ukraine. Police monitored the peaceful demonstration, where both Czech and NATO supporters displayed rival flags and slogans.

Czech actor Jiří Bartoška, longtime president of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, died Tuesday at 78 after battling cancer, festival spokeswoman Uljana Donátová said. Bartoška was a leading figure in Czech cinema, known for his work on stage, television and film. Since 1994, he helped elevate the Karlovy Vary festival to international prominence, working closely with then-artistic director Eva Zaoralová and their team to restore its global reputation. He began his career in Brno and Ústí nad Labem, earning acclaim in Milan Kundera’s Jakub a jeho pán.

Germany’s new Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced stricter border checks for travelers from Czechia starting Wednesday. Under the new measures, migrants seeking asylum may be turned away at land borders, with exceptions for vulnerable groups. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala reassured Czech citizens that the government would address any issues caused by the increased checks. The move, part of Germany’s broader effort to combat illegal migration, has drawn criticism from German industry leaders and neighboring countries.

The Czech government has approved the reimbursement for tuberculosis (TB) drugs for children under public health insurance, following a request from the Ministry of Health. The decision, made at today’s government meeting, addresses a rise in pediatric TB cases since 2021. While TB remains rare in the country, around 450 new cases are treated annually. The Ministry acted on a request from pulmonary physicians to provide child-appropriate medications, which will now be reimbursed through an extraordinary measure.

Czech President Petr Pavel, speaking at Prague’s Vítkov Memorial on the 80th anniversary of WWII's end, emphasized Czechia’s support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Drawing a parallel to the 1938 Munich Agreement, Pavel underscored the importance of standing up for sovereign nations, as Czechs hoped for support in their own time of crisis. He reflected on the need to learn from history and warned of the ongoing dangers of aggression. Activists with a Palestinian flag tried to disrupt Pavel's speech, and military police officers escorted them off the premises of the memorial.

To mark the national holiday and 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, the Czech Parliament buildings and Liechtenstein Palace opened their doors to the public Thursday. Visitors can tour historic halls, view exhibitions on wartime history and early parliament, and explore senator offices. A Czech Press Agency photo exhibit, War Moments, is on display in the Wallenstein Garden, which features extended hours and will remain open until May 29. Admission is free. Supermarkets and stores over 200 square meters in size will be closed all day.

Up to 300 people gathered Wednesday at Prague’s Václav Havel Square to protest hate, violence, and political division in the Czech Republic. Organized by Million Moments and others, the rally responded to recent inflammatory political rhetoric. Speakers included ex-NHL goalie Dominik Hašek and Ukrainian activist Anastasiia Sihnaievska. Protesters waved Czech, Ukrainian, and NATO flags. Organizers distributed a “Manifesto 2025,” warning of foreign influence ahead of elections and urging the defense of democratic values.

A court sentenced Pavel Novotný, mayor of Prague’s Reporyje district and member of the Civic Democratic Party, to three months in prison Wednesday afternoon, converting a suspended sentence due to repeated misdemeanors during probation. Novotný filed a complaint, delaying enforcement. The court ruled he failed to lead a proper and crimeless life while on probation. If upheld, the ruling could cost him his municipal post. Both Novotný and his party declined comment pending a final verdict.

Cold weather with little precipitation will persist across the Czech Republic through the weekend, with daytime highs around 15 to 17 degrees Celsius and freezing temperatures at night, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. A cold front from the north will bring cloudy skies and possible snow in the mountains on Saturday. Scattered showers are expected, mainly in the northeast. The cool, unsettled conditions are forecast to continue into the beginning of next week.

The Czech government approved a CZK 125 million donation to NATO’s Trust Fund for non-military aid to Ukraine and an additional CZK 5 million for defense capacity-building in partner nations, officials said Monday. The aid supports Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion and strengthens security in countries including Moldova and Jordan. The contributions align with Czech commitments made at the NATO summit in Washington and reflect the country’s aim to play a key role in alliance partnerships.