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Summary for: Czech news in brief for November 8: Saturday's top afternoon headlines
Fico blames Czech policy for V4 rift
Diplomacy Fico blames Czech policy for V4 rift, hopes for reset
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Czechia’s outgoing government helped “destroy” the Visegrad Four alliance and voiced hope the incoming cabinet of Andrej Babiš will restore cooperation. He said renewed V4 ties are vital for Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, and Poland. Prague froze intergovernmental talks with Bratislava last year over Ukraine policy differences, which Babiš has pledged to resume.
SOCIAL Czech food banks helped 430,000 people last year
In 2024, over 430,000 people in Czechia received aid from food banks, according to Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný. Demand continues to rise, especially among single parents, families in crisis, and seniors. The state allocated over CZK 100 million for development and operations this year. A nationwide food collection drive is ongoing in roughly 2,800 stores and online, with donations distributed to vulnerable groups and used to reduce food waste.
POLITICS Okamura aims to be inclusive lower house speaker
Tomio Okamura, newly elected speaker of the Czech lower house, said he wants to act consensually and consult with all party leaders, including the opposition. He plans to restore “opposition windows” and avoid reacting to attacks. Okamura dismissed concerns about reputational risks abroad, citing his international business experience, while ODS deputy Jan Skopeček warned that past statements on EU exit could affect diplomatic relations.
POLITICS Matej Ondřej Havel elected new TOP 09 chair
MP Matej Ondřej Havel, 38, was elected chair of the Czech right-wing party TOP 09 at the national congress, receiving 120 of 171 votes. He succeeds Markéta Pekarová Adamová and aims to prepare the party for a return to government after the ANO-led coalition takes office. Havel, a trained teacher and historian, has been a TOP 09 MP since 2021 and chairs the education committee. He also leads the party’s Hradec Králové regional organization.
HISTORY Historic train ride honors Czechoslovak legionnaires
A historic steam train departed from České Budějovice to Prague today, marking the 105th anniversary of the return of Czechoslovak legionnaires from Russia after World War I. Pulled by a locomotive, the train carried passengers and featured a dining car and exhibition. The event, organized by the Czechoslovak Legionnaire Community, also supported a veterans’ charity organization.
📊 POLL OF THE DAY
A new rooftop sculpture in Prague has drawn attention for its bold depiction of the mythical horse Šemík and a mare. What do you think about the sculpture?
