Czech news in brief for April 24: Thursday's top headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized the importance of understanding opponents' languages during a student debate today. Reflecting on his experience as NATO Military Committee chairman, Pavel recalled how Russian was essential during a 2017 meeting with Russian General Valery Gerasimov. He argued that language and culture should not be shaped by ideology. Pavel's comments come amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and its broader impact on Western diplomacy and defense strategies.

Nearly 80 percent of journalists in the Czech Republic have experienced threats or attacks, a new Ipsos survey found. Released Thursday by the Czech National Committee of the International Press Institute, the poll revealed most incidents were online verbal assaults. Two percent involved physical violence. In response, the IPI launched the "Safe Journalism" project to support reporters, with a website expected before elections to monitor threats and offer legal guidance, especially to regional journalists.

Prague Zoo celebrated the birth of its first African bush piglets this week, zoo officials announced Thursday. Three piglets were born early Wednesday to eight-year-old Jasna and three-year-old Štěpán in the Dja Reservation pavilion. The newborns are active, nursing well, and under close observation during a critical early period. The exhibit remains open to visitors, who can see the piglets alongside their parents and nearby baboons and Brazza’s monkeys in adjusted habitats.

Only strong military support for Ukraine can secure peace in Europe, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Wednesday after Russia’s deadly air strikes on Kyiv and other cities. At least nine people, including six children, were killed and 70 injured, according to rescue reports. Fiala criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for rejecting ceasefire proposals. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky echoed the sentiment, blaming Russia for refusing peace and calling for continued international support for Ukraine.

Strengthening general education is essential for Czechia’s future, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Wednesday at the Education for the 21st Century conference. Speaking during an ODS pre-election event, Fiala emphasized the need for a system that builds strong foundational skills. While the country spent 5.2 percent of GDP on education in 2021, below the OECD average of 5.8 percent, he stressed that the issues extend beyond funding and require systemic reform.

A wave of low air pressure and rain hit northern Czech Republic overnight, with strong thunderstorms forecast to strike much of Moravia and northeastern Bohemia on Thursday. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warned of torrential rainfall up to 50 mm, hail, lightning, and potential flooding. The storm warning is in effect from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday. Authorities urge caution, especially for drivers and residents in low-lying areas.

A massive fire at a plastic landfill near Rynholec in the Rakovník region was extinguished Wednesday after burning for two days. About 250 firefighters from 50 units battled the blaze, which prompted a special alert and sent thick smoke across the region. One firefighter suffered burns. Authorities urged residents to keep windows closed and deployed special equipment and air quality monitoring teams to the site.

The General Inspectorate of Security Forces has charged a police officer assigned to President Petr Pavel’s protection for driving drunk and crashing in Česká Čermná on Feb. 8. Pavel was not in the car. The officer, who had over one per mille of alcohol in his blood, was suspended March 7. If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison, officials told iROZHLAS.cz.

Two-thirds of Czechs support making English compulsory from first grade, according to an Ipsos poll of 1,000 respondents for Fraus Klett publishing. Currently, foreign language instruction begins in third grade. The new Framework Education Programme, set to take effect by September 2027, mandates English from first grade. Over 71 percent of respondents are satisfied with current English teaching in grades 3–5, praising teachers, materials, and interactive lessons.

The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra won a BBC Music Magazine Award for its recording of Smetana’s My Country, conducted by Semyon Bychkov during the 2021 COVID lockdown. The public-voted award was presented at a gala in London’s Kings Place. Released in 2023, the recording marked the 200th anniversary of Smetana’s birth. The orchestra also toured Europe and Carnegie Hall in 2024 during the Year of Czech Music.