Czech news in brief for October 26: Sunday's top afternoon headlines

Czechia will observe the 107th anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s founding Tuesday with nationwide memorial events. President Petr Pavel will appoint new generals and present state awards to 48 recipients at Prague Castle. Ceremonies will also include military officials and veterans. Public celebrations feature open government buildings, concerts, and historical tours, while commemorations will take place across cities including Brno, Olomouc, Pilsen, and Znojmo.

The emerging ANO, SPD, and Motorists coalition will meet Wednesday to discuss leadership and committee posts in the Chamber of Deputies, ANO deputy chair Alena Schillerová said. SPD leader Tomio Okamura is expected to head the lower house, despite opposition criticism over past controversial remarks. Committee chairs are being divided among coalition and opposition parties, while ministerial nominations remain under discussion, with debates ongoing over controversial candidates like Filip Turek.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a warning for snow in the Šumava Mountains, which could see up to 20 cm of snow Monday at elevations above 900 meters. Wet, heavy snow may damage trees, power lines, and disrupt electricity. A strong wind warning remains in effect for much of Czechia today, with gusts up to 70 km/h, though winds are expected to ease by Sunday evening.

Public broadcasters Czech Television and Czech Radio must remain independent, even if their funding shifts from fees to state budget allocations, Motorists’ MP leader Boris Staštný said today. ANO deputies emphasized that statutory funding would not threaten independence. Both parties agreed on the need for Supreme Audit Office oversight. Critics warn any state control could lead to media domination, while SPD has proposed merging public outlets into a single institution.

Czech ANO leader Andrej Babiš and Slovak Deputy PM Tomas Taraba agreed Friday to reject ETS 2 emission allowances and stricter industrial standards. They cited high energy and allowance costs harming competitiveness and opposed new green taxes on households and transport. Both leaders plan closer coordination and renewed Czech-Slovak and Visegrad Group cooperation once the new Czech government takes office, addressing regional economic and energy concerns.

The EU’s Pay Transparency Directive, scheduled to take effect in Czechia from June 2026, would require companies to publish average salaries for specific roles but has sparked pushback from employers.