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

Citizens across the Czech Republic are attending memorial services today, May 8, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Victory Day. President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš will join military leaders at Prague's Vítkov Hill for a traditional ceremony and aerial flyover. Events nationwide include a historic American military convoy reenactment in Velichovky and museum parades in Rokycany, honoring the 1945 surrender of Nazi Germany and the end of European hostilities.

A recent survey highlights that Czech households are increasingly reducing expenditures on travel and food to manage rising overall living costs. The data shows that while domestic demand remains a primary economic driver, many citizens feel pressured by high prices. Consequently, consumers are prioritizing essential utilities over leisure, with many switching to cheaper food alternatives and domestic vacation options to maintain their financial stability.

French Ambassador Stéphane Crouzat presented the National Order of Merit to Czech Chief of General Staff Karel Řehka in Prague on Thursday. Awarded the rank of Commander, Řehka was recognized for strengthening bilateral military cooperation and his 2011 leadership in Afghanistan supporting French units. The French Embassy praised his four-year effort in deepening strategic dialogue. Řehka emphasized that the honor reflects the collective work of the entire Czech Army.

A Median agency survey released on Thursday indicates that 91 percent of Czech citizens consider themselves patriots. Conducted among 1,000 respondents in the Czech Republic, the poll reveals that most people view the homeland as a personal and cultural concept rather than a political one. Despite this high patriotism, 55 percent of participants believe professional soldiers should handle national defense, while 40 percent support reinstating compulsory military service.

Spokesman Michal Šťastný announced that Dvůr Králové Safari Park will expand its grounds by one-fifth to nearly 90 hectares. The CZK 120 million project, scheduled for completion in 2028, features a 15-hectare safari area for free-roaming rhinos, buffalo, and zebras. The zoo will officially launch the initiative this Sunday, May 10, to mark its 80th anniversary, allowing visitors to view animals from private vehicles or safari buses.