Czech news in brief for April 7: Sunday's top headlines

The Czech Chamber of Deputies is set to convene this week for a series of crucial votes, including approving increased care allowances for individuals with disabilities, enacting class action laws, and deferring levy payments for work performance agreements. Additionally, various legislative drafts, covering issues from water management to protection of agricultural land, will be discussed during the regular session.

Czech President Petr Pavel, alongside other dignitaries, attended a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide in Kigali. Reflecting on the tragic events, Pavel acknowledged humanity's struggle to learn from past mistakes but noted progress in global understanding and condemnation of genocide. Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized the importance of remembering the genocide's horrors, warning against ethnic extremism. The ceremony honored victims and recognized efforts to prevent such atrocities in the future.

Slovak President-elect Peter Pellegrini announced that his inaugural foreign visit as president will be to the Czech Republic, adhering to tradition with inauguration set for mid-June. Pellegrini has criticized the Czech government's suspension of consultations with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's cabinet, citing disagreements on foreign policy. He defends Fico's decision to halt arms supplies to Ukraine. The visit highlights diplomatic ties amidst differing views on Ukraine conflict.

According to the latest poll conducted by STEM, ANO would lead Czech parliamentary elections with 32.9 percent of the vote, followed by ODS at 14.5 percent. Pirates are up to 10.5 percent, SPD at 9.3 percent, and the Starostov and TOP 09 parties hover near the five percent threshold. Analysts note ANO's strong support among older and less-educated citizens, while younger voters lean towards Pirates. Protest votes primarily go to SPD. A Median poll predicted similar results in February. Parliamentary elections are slated for autumn 2025.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský extended congratulations to Peter Pellegrini on his victory in the Slovak presidential elections, emphasizing expectations for continued strong Czech-Slovak relations. Fiala expressed confidence in deepening ties, while Lipavský highlighted Pellegrini's potential to enhance cooperation and ensure Slovakia's European integration. Meanwhile, some Czech politicians raised concerns about Slovakia's political trajectory, fearing alignment with Russia and drawing comparisons to Hungary.

Temperature records were shattered across the Czech Republic on Saturday, with the Doksany measuring station hitting a peak of 27.8 degrees Celsius, the highest in the country. Over three-quarters of the 170 longstanding weather stations reported record-breaking highs, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Expectations of continued heat persist, with temperatures forecasted between 24-28 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Marie Bouzková has made her first clay final after defeating Kamilla Rachimova at the Copa Colsanitas tournament in Bogotá. The Czech star will next face Colombian Camila Osorio in the title match on Sunday. Bouzková, ranked 42nd worldwide, aims for her second WTA title after a victorious tie-break against Rachimova. Bouzková is unbeaten against Osorio in their previous matches. Her success comes amid coaching changes, now playing under Slovenian Mike Urbanija.

Analysts predict Czech inflation to have hovered around the Czech National Bank's target of two percent in March, continuing the trend from February, when it reached this mark for the first time since December 2018. They foresee a slight month-on-month increase, with food prices declining while service costs rise. Fuel prices and service rates are highlighted as potential drivers. The Czech Statistical Office will release official March inflation data on Wednesday.

Prague's March for Life, a walk across the city organized by the pro-life Movement for Life organization, was disrupted on Saturday afternoon as opponents blocked Legií Bridge. Demonstrators chanting "my body, my choice," clashed with police, who rerouted the march from Hradčanské náměstí to Wenceslas Square across Jirásek Bridge. Amidst protests, speakers highlighted concerns over abortion rights and misinformation. Police maintained a presence to prevent clashes.

Peter Pellegrini, leader of the Voice-Social Democracy party (Hlas) and parliament speaker, secured victory in Slovakia's presidential runoff on Saturday, prompting diplomat Ivan Korčok to concede defeat even before the vote count's completion. Korčok congratulated Pellegrini while criticizing his campaign's lack of transparency. Pellegrini's win marks a shift, with the new president assuming office in mid-June, succeeding Zuzana Čaputová.