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A program marking the 90th anniversary of the birth of former Czech president and dissident Václav Havel, which falls on October 5, began at Prague’s Mariánské Square on Monday morning.

The day-long event opened with an informal discussion between historian Petr Blažek and František Stárek, a prominent figure in the Czech underground and a signatory of Charter 77. They discussed, among other things, freedom of culture and the importance of solidarity in an unfree society.

The event will feature readings from Havel’s works, a concert and the ceremonial unveiling of a Václav Havel Bench in the presence of his widow Dagmar Havlova.

Security and public order are the issues that matter most to Prague residents when deciding how to vote in municipal elections, according to a September poll by the agency NMS.

Residents also place considerable importance on the management of public assets and housing availability.

Transport ranked lower in the survey, despite being one of the most prominent issues in the election campaign.

Political scientist Jan Kubáček attributed transport's lower ranking to long-term voter frustration. He said people had become accustomed to hearing politicians talk about improving transport and make promises without seeing much change, which has contributed to growing scepticism.

The Czech government is due to approve its proposed state budget for 2027 on Monday. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) is expected to present details afterwards. The draft envisages a deficit of around CZK 386 billion following an agreement by the governing coalition to reduce the original figure by roughly CZK 3 billion. Ministers will also discuss measures to address rapidly rising petrol and diesel prices, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East and limited refinery capacity. Other items include pension increases, transport infrastructure funding and the state’s payments for people whose health insurance is covered by the government.

Around 150,000 people attended NATO Days and Czech Air Force Days at Mošnov airport near Ostrava over the weekend, roughly the same number as last year. Organisers reported no major problems. Military, security and rescue units from 14 countries took part in what organisers describe as Europe’s largest security show. Highlights included the first flying display of a German Tornado at the event and a performance by Britain’s Red Arrows. The Czech Army also publicly displayed its new Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for the first time. Strong winds forced organisers to combine two planned parachuting displays.