Czech news in brief for July 1: Monday's top headlines

During a meeting of top elected officials in Prague today, Czech President Petr Pavel, who will represent the country at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, emphasized unity among alliance members in addressing security challenges and strengthening defense capabilities.

The summit will focus on a comprehensive support package for Ukraine and a strategic approach to Russia. Additionally, cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners will be deepened. The Czech Republic supported Mark Rutte’s nomination as NATO’s new secretary-general, citing his experience and support for Ukraine.

A massive DDoS attack temporarily disabled the Financial Administration’s web services and limited the Tax Portal’s functionality today, spokesman Patrik Madle reported. Full service was restored by 1 p.m. Despite today being the deadline for filing last year’s income tax return through a tax advisor, the Financial Administration confirmed returns can be submitted without penalty until July 9. Nearly 2.82 million returns were submitted by June 30, mostly electronically.

According to Seznam Zprávy, opposition ANO movement chairman Andrej Babis reported over 130 million crowns in income and receivables of roughly CZK 1.68 billion in his property statement for last year. Babis, who earns through trust funds from Agrofert, received CZK 111.1 million from the company. Forbes ranks him the seventh richest Czech with a fortune of USD 3.5 billion. Public officials’ asset declarations were due by July 1.

According to the Finance Ministry, the Czech Republic’s state budget deficit for the first half of the year was CZK 178.6 billion, down from May's CZK 210.4 billion. This is the best economic result in five years but still the fifth most profound deficit in Czech history. Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura believes the state can maintain the planned full-year deficit of CZK 252 billion, a view supported by analysts.

Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová stated the Czech Republic is ready to continue its ammunition initiative if it receives sufficient funding. The country aims to supply 500,000 artillery ammunition to Ukraine by year-end. Cooperation with Germany has delivered up to 50,000 pieces so far. Černochová plans to discuss further funding at the upcoming NATO summit, emphasizing the need for additional financial resources to sustain the initiative.

During a televised interview, President Petr Pavel noted improving communication between the government and the opposition, particularly on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Pavel emphasized the need to revise the Czech benefit system, calling it demotivating. He stressed the president’s role in uniting society and discussed potential reforms in education and social benefits. Pavel also supported the appointment of a new ambassador to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Firefighters in the eastern Czech Republic responded to hundreds of incidents following a storm. In South Moravia, they dealt with fallen trees and flooding, recording 110 interventions, mainly in Brno and Vyškovsko. Three people were injured by a falling tree in Bruntál. Incidents included damaged roofs, flooding, and disrupted rail traffic. The Zlín region saw rivers rise to flood levels. Meteorologists warned of continued intense storms into the night.

Around 15,000 Czech Sokol gymnastics organization members paraded through Prague on Sunday, kicking off the 17th All-Sokol Meeting. The event, culminating in mass performances on July 4-5, involves up to 20,000 participants. Despite the heat, spirits remained high, with firefighters providing refreshments. Tributes were paid to victims of last year’s shooting, and Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil and Culture Minister Martin Baxa praised Sokol’s enduring cultural significance.

Over 1.25 million Czechs struggle with energy costs, nearly double the number from three years ago, affecting mainly single women, low-income families, and elderly women living alone, according to a Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs survey. The rise is attributed to increasing prices and the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A new government initiative aims to aid households with energy-saving advice and replacing old appliances.

The Hip Hop Žije festival issued a statement regarding the death of a 20-year-old man on June 29. Organizers expressed condolences and advised against excessive alcohol and drug use. Despite the immediate emergency response, the man could not be revived. Police have launched a criminal investigation for manslaughter by negligence. The festival urged attendees to stay hydrated and mindful of extreme heat.