Czech news in brief for October 3: Friday's top headlines

President Petr Pavel said Friday that coalition and opposition parties are divided by “trenches,” making post-election negotiations difficult. Speaking after casting his vote with his wife in Prague, Pavel stressed that forming a majority in the Chamber of Deputies will not be easy as per current opinion polls. He will meet party leaders from Sunday once results are clearer than tomorrow. He described the campaign atmosphere as heated, with both sides defining themselves against each other rather than building bridges.

Strong winds are forecast this weekend in the Šluknov and Frýdlant areas, Jeseníky, and parts of Moravian-Silesia region, the ČHMÚ warned Friday. Gusts may reach 70 km/h, especially Saturday, bringing risks of falling branches, damage to buildings, and transport disruptions. The warning runs Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. in the north and 3 p.m. Saturday–3 a.m. Sunday in Jeseníky and Moravian-Silesian areas. Meteorologists advise securing outdoor items and avoiding ridge hikes.

Some have this afternoon been unable to update and use their electronic IDs in Friday’s general election due to system overloads, the Digital and Information Agency said. Traditional ID cards or passports are being accepted instead. The issue affects only those attempting last-minute updates within the past two hours, according to agency spokesman Jakub Palata. Problems were reported in Prague 2 and 4. According some media outlets, Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová had to use a traditional ID card because her electronic one did not work.

Polish outlets describe the Czech elections as a European version of Trump’s MAGA movement. Andrej Babiš’ ANO is expected to win, but not secure a majority, potentially relying on coalition support from extremists. TVN24 notes Babiš’ slogan, “Strong Czech Republic,” mirrors “Make America Great Again.” Gazeta Wyborcza adds that the centre-right Together coalition is trailing, while Babiš plans tougher immigration policies, reduced EU green measures, and cuts to military spending despite rising defense needs after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Austrian and Swiss media warn that the Czech Republic may turn away from its pro-Western course after parliamentary elections this weekend, potentially cutting aid to Ukraine. The ANO movement leads in polls, but Andrej Babiš’ path to the premiership is uncertain. Opposition parties, including the far-right SPD, and the Motorists party, are gaining ground. Die Presse and Der Standard highlight concerns in Brussels, Kyiv, and Moscow that the next government could halt support to Kyiv.

Members of the Czech National Bank board have agreed that it is too early to raise interest rates, though they remain flexible amid economic uncertainty. They cited the strong crown, rapid nominal wage growth exceeding 7 percent, and persistent government-sector deficits as key factors. Future inflation risks could emerge from post-election budget loosening or EU ETS 2 impacts on transport and heating. The crown recently posted CZK 24.29/EUR, below the CNB’s forecast, supporting a wait-and-see approach.

Experts say deeper cooperation among Visegrad Four (V4) countries—Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland—is unrealistic after Czech elections, largely due to Poland’s lack of interest and few shared priorities. Relations between Poland and Hungary have also cooled since PiS lost power in 2023. While cultural and research initiatives continue, analysts agree the V4 will have little impact on conflicts like Ukraine or Gaza, regardless of potential cooperation among leaders Babis, Fico, and Orban.

The Czech embassy in Tel Aviv is aware of a Czech citizen among participants detained during the Gaza-bound flotilla and stands ready to provide consular assistance if requested, Foreign Ministry spokesman Daniel Drake said. Activist Šárka Přikrylová posted a video urging the Czech government to bring her home. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla, detaining participants, amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza that have caused widespread civilian casualties and humanitarian crises.

The Czech Government Commissioner for Human Rights released 70 recommendations to combat hate speech and bias-motivated attacks, focusing on reporting, victim support, prevention, education, and awareness. Refugees, Roma, LGBTQ+ people, and those with disabilities are most affected. Experts stress that tackling hate speech requires societal engagement alongside law enforcement, balancing action with freedom of expression. Measures are non-binding but guide policy and police training.

German police have detained two 15-year-old Syrians for allegedly assaulting and raping a 19-year-old Czech man near Dresden Central Station. The suspects face charges of aggravated robbery and rape after reportedly stealing 300 euros at knifepoint. Both were arrested shortly after the incident. The Czech Consulate General confirmed the victim’s nationality. Neither suspect has a prior criminal record, and the case remains under investigation.

Czech polling stations opened today in Argentina and Brazil, marking the first locations for citizens abroad to vote in the Chamber of Deputies elections. Voting continues until 21:00 local time today and Friday, but results will only be counted after Czech polls close Saturday. Embassy staff and registered voters cast ballots smoothly, with dozens expected to participate. Voting in Cuba, the U.S., and Canada begins at 20:00 CET.

Experts say national funding for organic farming in Czechia is low and unstable compared with other EU states, limiting farmers’ potential. Czech Organics proposes higher rewards for ecosystem services and a Swiss-style premium model. Currently, 17.5 percent of agricultural land is organic, mostly grasslands, with arable production and processing capacity insufficient. Officials aim to reach 25 percent organic land by 2030 and expand organic use in schools and hospitals.