News

Czech lawmakers are continuing talks on how to organize the newly elected Chamber of Deputies. Representatives of the strongest ANO party, led by Alena Schillerová, will meet today with opposition parties TOP 09, Mayors and Independents (STAN), and the Pirate Party. The number of deputy speakers is expected to be reduced from six to four, with two posts going to the opposition—likely to the Civic Democrats (ODS) and STAN. The emerging coalition of ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, and the Motorists’ Party plans to fill three leadership positions, with SPD leader Tomio Okamura tipped to become speaker.

The city of Hradec Králové has released a limited edition of postage stamps marking the 800th anniversary of the town’s first written record. The sheet of eight stamps features portraits of notable local figures including Queen Eliška Rejčka, architects Josef Gočár and Jan Kotěra, and singer Soňa Červená. Only 1,020 sheets are available for 450 crowns each at the city information center.  Earlier, the city introduced commemorative Prim wristwatches and medals made with the Czech Mint, all of which have already sold out. Proceeds from the auction of the last mechanical watch will go to support a hospice under construction in Stěžery.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) described the release of 20 Israeli hostages by Hamas as a “key moment.” The Czech Foreign Ministry called it a “milestone” in implementing the peace agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Fiala, who met families of abducted Israelis during his 2023 visit to Israel, said he was glad that some victims of Hamas’s brutal attack were freed. He praised President Trump’s mediation and urged continued efforts toward lasting peace. The Foreign Ministry and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (non partisan) also welcomed the development, stressing the need for a sustained ceasefire and humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

President Petr Pavel said at the Forum 2000 conference that regardless of the next Czech government’s composition, it is vital to preserve and strengthen the foundations of democratic civic structures. He highlighted the need for strong public service media and a pluralistic media landscape to counter Russian disinformation, which he described as a major threat to European security and democracy. Pavel welcomed the opening of a regional office of Reporters Without Borders in Prague, saying it would bolster independent journalism and resilience against disinformation across Central and Eastern Europe. He also emphasized the importance of universities and NGOs.