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Czechs are marking the 58th anniversary of the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet-led Warsaw Pact troops that crushed the Prague Spring reform movement in 1968.

The invasion began overnight on August 21, 1968 and dozens of Czechoslovak citizens were killed in the first hours of the invasion alone, either in clashes with the troops or in traffic accidents caused by the occupying forces.

Commemorative events honoring their memory are taking place around the country.

In Prague one of the main events was held outside Czech Radio’s headquarters on Vinohradska street where some of the worst clashes with the invaders took place.

Addressing the gathering, President Pavel stressed the importance of public-service media both in August 1968 and today, when, he said, there is once again pressure to restrict them.

Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil, echoed those sentiments, saying that Independent media and courage are among the first targets of those in power, who want to impose “normalization” and bring society under control. He called for courage and urged people not to “bend their spines.”

The speeches of Chamber of Deputies Speaker Tomio Okamura and Finance Minister Alena Schillerová, who represented the ruling parties, were met with booing and chants of “shame”, reflecting anger over the government’s plan to abolish license fees and replace them with state funds. Many fear this would leave the public broadcasters vulnerable to political pressure.

Cultural events marking the anniversary in Prague include the NeverMore 68 festival at Prague's Exhibition Grounds and a Music Against Forgetting event in the lower part of Wenceslas Square.

The Czech Republic should spend slightly more than 2% of its GDP on defense next year. Otherwise, given the commitments made at the Hague summit, a shortfall in defense spending would emerge in subsequent years leading up to 2035. President Petr Pavel told journalists this today during a visit to companies in Nové Město na Moravě.

Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna (nominated by SPD) said after Wednesday’s meeting with Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) that the Defense Ministry plans to allocate 2% of GDP to defense spending next year. He said this would fulfill the Czech Republic’s NATO commitment.

Education Minister Robert Plaga (nominated by ANO) wants teachers’ salaries to return to 130% of the average wage. In the coming years, he would like teachers’ salaries to increase by 6-7% annually. A key priority for him will be ensuring that the government’s policy program is fulfilled by 2029, promising a starting teacher salary of CZK 50,000 and an average salary of CZK 75,000.

Plaga told journalists ahead of today’s meeting with Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO). Plaga also said he wants to resolve several issues concerning regional and higher education with Schillerová. Next year, for example, he wants to increase funding for universities in response to larger numbers of students from bigger age groups entering higher education. He is also seeking additional funding to support mental health in schools, school psychologists and special education teachers, as well as support for schools with particular needs.

Czech agriculture is expected to lose around CZK 20 billion in revenue this year, said Jan Doležal, president of the Czech Agrarian Chamber, at the opening of the Země živitelka agricultural trade fair. In crop production, the decline will be caused mainly by this year’s lower harvest, considered to be the worst in the past 15 years.

The state is prepared to help farmers deal with the impacts of climate change, Agriculture Minister Martin Šebestyán said at the opening of the fair. According to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, shops full of food cannot be taken for granted in the future as they are today. He also thanked farmers for their work.

The 52nd edition of the fair, running from August 20 until August 25, will focus on connecting modern technologies with agricultural practice.