Czech news in brief for April 14: Sunday's top headlines

The opposition ANO party remains well ahead in parliamentary election polls despite a 4 percent dip to 34.5 percent, according to the latest Kantar poll. ODS follows at 16 percent, with the Pirates at 10.5 percent, SPD at 8 percent, and STAN at 6.5 percent. Although ANO has consistently held the top spot, the recent dip bucks trend of increasing support. The survey polled 1,015 respondents from March 18 to April 5.

Minister of Labor Marian Jurečka predicts a rise in the Czech minimum wage to approximately CZK 27,400 by 2029, reaching 47 percent of the average wage, per the Ministry of Finance's projections. Currently at CZK 18,900, about 41 percent of the average wage, the minimum wage's trajectory is guided by a proposed Labor Code amendment. This legislation aims to incrementally increase the minimum wage to 47% of the average wage by 2029, prompting discussions on the balance between workers' rights and business interests.

During the recent Iranian attack on Israel, Czech citizens did not seek assistance from the Czech Embassy, according to Czech Ambassador to Israel Veronika Kuchyňová Šmigolová. She reported that Czech nationals are now contacting the embassy for information regarding airport operations and flight statuses. The ambassador reassured that the situation in Israel is currently calm, with Israeli forces successfully intercepting most of the drones and missiles.

In the semi-finals of the Women's Ice Hockey World Championship in Utica, the Czech team fell 0-4 to Canada, setting up a bronze medal showdown against Finland today at 7:00 p.m. Prague time. Despite the loss, Czech coach Carla MacLeodová praised her team's performance, emphasizing their resilience and effort throughout the match. Meanwhile, Canada secured a spot in the final against Team USA. The Czech team will play for their third consecutive bronze at the world championships.

Tragedy struck on Saturday evening in Prague as a person fell on the tracks the Anděl metro, halting service on part of route B between the Nové Butovice and Florenc stations. Despite prompt rescue efforts, the individual tragically succumbed to the incident. Firefighters, initially responding to a switchboard fire nearby, swiftly attended the scene, but unfortunately the victim could not be saved. Authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, whether accident or intentional.

Czech PM Petr Fiala writes that the Czech Republic stands firmly behind following Iran's attack on Saturday night. Czechia condemns Iran's aggression, and supports Israel's right to self-defense. Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, mostly intercepted. Israeli allies, including US, aided defense efforts. Concerns arise over escalation; Czech politicians and officials voice support for Israel. No Czechs sought embassy assistance during the attack. Tensions persist as the region remains on alert.

As the new week commences, temperatures will drop in Czechia along with a significant cooling across Central Europe. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute predicts a light snowfall in mountainous regions, with the possibility of snow reaching areas of lower elevation mid-week. Cold air from the northwest will bring temperatures near zero to mountain ridges and around ten degrees elsewhere. Projections suggest this chilly spell will persist through the upcoming weekend and possibly beyond.

Czech MMA star Jiří Procházka defeated Austrian-Serbian fighter Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 300 on Saturday. The referee halted the fight in the 2nd round at 3:17 minutes, declaring Procházka the winner by technical knockout. The 31-year-old from Hostěradice bounced back from his first defeat in eight years last November. Procházka eyes a future rematch with the light heavyweight champion after Alex Pereira retained his title at UFC 300.

Czechia saw a rise in food collection participation during this weekend's food drive, with 2,100 shops joining this spring's efforts—50 more than last autumn. Czech Association of Trade and Tourism reports an increase in volunteer involvement in reaching out to customers for donations. Emphasis is placed on supporting single parents and their children. Over 11 years, 4,860 tons of food, equivalent to 10 million meals, have been collected. Last spring saw a record-high 1,213 tons gathered.

Tomio Okamura has been re-elected chairman of the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, securing support from 195 of 216 delegates at the party's national election congress on Saturday. With no opposing candidates, Okamura expressed gratitude for the overwhelming mandate, vowing to advance the party's agenda and excel in upcoming elections. Former president Miloš Zeman endorsed a potential coalition between SPD and ANO after the 2025 general election, emphasizing the need for direct democracy.