Czech news in brief for August 21: Thursday's top headlines

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Thursday at the Země živitelka agricultural fair that the Czech Republic should export fewer unprocessed agricultural commodities and focus on processing them domestically to boost competitiveness and create jobs. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný emphasized reducing bureaucracy and simplifying conditions for farmers. Výborný also highlighted the role of modern technologies in saving soil, groundwater, and funds while easing farmers’ work, a key focus of the fair’s 51st edition.

Mayors and Independents leader Vít Rakušan will meet Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Pirate Party’s Zdeněk Hřib ahead of general elections to pledge opposition to any cabinet led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. Fiala confirmed attendance; Hřib said participation depends on a discussion of Prague issues. The Pirates left the previous coalition last autumn after chairman Ivan Bartoš was dismissed over digital construction errors, signaling continued reluctance to cooperate with Babiš.

The Czech Republic would consider sending troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, but no such request has been made, Defence Minister Jana Černochová said Wednesday. Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil echoed that any mission must follow a negotiated peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Both were responding to President Petr Pavel, who told the Czech media that the country should play a role in peace efforts. Černochová stressed sending troops now would escalate the conflict.

Members of the Kaputin initiative hung a large banner on Milady Horáková Street in Prague on Wednesday, showing portraits of Russian President Vladimir Putin alongside Czech politicians Andrej Babiš, Tomio Okamura and Kateřina Konečná. The group’s leader, Otakar van Gemund, said the three parties threaten the country’s pro-Western course. The banner, urging voters to reject them in October elections, will appear in several Prague locations before moving to other cities including Česká Lípa and České Budějovice.

Czech President Petr Pavel urged the government to clearly explain a bitcoin scandal before October’s parliamentary elections. In an interview with ČTK, Pavel said he will raise the issue with Prime Minister Petr Fiala next week. The controversy stems from former Justice Minister Pavel Blažek’s acceptance of a billion-crown bitcoin donation from convicted drug trafficker Tomáš Jiríkowský. Blažek resigned, replaced by Eva Decroix. Pavel warned that delays in transparency risk damaging public trust.

Czech President Petr Pavel said Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline approach in Gaza is making it harder for Prague to defend Israel’s actions. Speaking to Czech media, Pavel stressed that while Hamas must release all remaining hostages, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is “unsustainable.” He noted his government differs from Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s cabinet, which backs Israel with few reservations. Pavel will speak with Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog next week.

Czechs are commemorating the 57th anniversary of the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion with ceremonies and gatherings nationwide. The main event will take place before noon at the Czech Radio building in Prague, attended by President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala and parliamentary leaders. Tributes are also planned in Brno, Liberec, Pilsen and other cities. In the evening, a rally outside the Russian embassy will honor victims of the Soviet-led invasion and express support for Ukraine.

Volařík Winery from Mikulov has been named Winemaker of the Year 2025 in the Czech Republic, organizers announced Thursday at Prague’s Žofín palace. It also earned the National Champion of White Wines title for its 2021 Riesling. Second place went to Martin Čapka of Prušánky, who also won Most Successful Family Winery, while Jiří Uherek of Sudoměřice placed third. This year’s competition featured 66 wineries and 666 wines, with Slovak producers honored in separate categories.

 Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have fallen to their lowest level in two months, according to data from the Czech Credit Bureau (CCS). The average price of gasoline dropped CZK 0.09 to CZK 33.92 per liter, while diesel fell CZK 0.33 to CZK 32.65. In a year-on-year comparison, gasoline is CZK 3.66 cheaper and diesel CZK 3.18 lower, meaning motorists are paying significantly less than at this time last year. The lowest prices are in Ústí nad Labem and Karlovy Vary regions, while Prague drivers pay the most.

The Czech Republic will see mostly cloudy skies with occasional showers this weekend, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Saturday’s forecast calls for variable cloudiness with light rain in northern mountains, while Sunday will be partly cloudy with showers in the northeast. Temperatures both days will range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Rainfall will continue in the east through Friday, though today’s highs may reach 27 degrees in the Elbe region before cooling.