Czech news in brief for June 1: Saturday's top headlines

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has eased a flood warning in western Bohemia, lowering an extreme danger level in the Pilsen Region. A high-level warning warning remains in effect for Pilsen and parts of the South Bohemian regions through Sunday evening with rainfall expected to continue through the weekend. Flooding is still expected in Radbuza, Úhlava, Úslav, and their tributaries, with water levels predicted to rise in Berounka and Otava as well.

Despite persistent rainfall, several hundred people gathered on Prague's Wenceslas Square on Saturday to protest stances taken by the Czech government. Organized by Ladislav Vrabel, the demonstration called for an end to the war in Ukraine and withdrawal from NATO. Speakers included former Slovak politician Ján Čarnogurský, MP Jiří Kobza, and former Prime Minister Jiří Paroubek. Previously, Vrabel attracted tens of thousands for anti-government protests but now faces legal issues, including bankruptcy and charges of subsidy fraud.

A survey by Czechia's State Institute of Health revealed that only half of patients were asked about their drinking habits by physicians in the past two years, and only 10 percent were advised to limit alcohol consumption. Expert Albert Ksinan called the findings alarming, noting that risky drinking affects over 8 percent of Czechs. The survey highlighted a need for greater physician intervention in addressing alcohol consumption to mitigate health risks.

Persistent rains have caused river levels to rise in the Pilsen Region, particularly in the Šumava and Pošumaví areas. Over the last 24 hours, around 70 mm of rainfall was recorded near Železná Ruda and Prášily in the Klatovy district. Rivers like the Ostružná in Kolín and the Křemelná in Stodůlky have reached the second level of flood alert. Meteorologists predict further rises, with rainfall expected to continue over the weekend.

A memorial event for child victims of communism will be held this afternoon at the Children’s Cemetery in Prague's Ďáblice Cemetery. Organized annually on International Children's Day by Bezkomunistu.cz, the event honors children who died in communist prisons due to inadequate medical care and alleged abuse. The cemetery has 43 marked graves, with many other child victims buried without headstones.

The Chamber of Deputies may nominate departing Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová or two members of the Mašín brothers' anti-communist resistance group for state honors. Other potential candidates include actress Dagmar Havlová Veškrnová, former Czech ambassador to Syria Eva Filipi, Archbishop Jan Graubner, and songwriter Karel Kryl. The preliminary list discussed by the lower house's organizing committee comprises 159 names, with nominees subject to the president's approval.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský emphasized the importance of keeping NATO's doors open to new members, particularly Ukraine, at an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Prague on Friday. Lipavský highlighted the meeting's goal of preparing for the NATO summit in Washington this July, focusing on strategies to counter Russian aggression and support Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated NATO's commitment to aiding Ukraine's defense.

Czech tennis player Markéta Vondroušová has advanced to the round of 16 at the French Open, defeating Chloé Paquet 6-1, 6-3 on Friday. Despite entering the tournament with low expectations, Vondroušová appreciated her progress and the fair atmosphere. She will face Serbia's Olga Danilović next. Vondroušová noted that Grand Slam rankings can be deceptive, highlighting the 125th-ranked Danilović's recent strong performances. The two previously met in January, with Vondroušová winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

Police confirmed that no drugs were found in the Czech Chamber of Deputies before or after the discovery of cocaine residue on a piece of paper in a men's toilet at the end of 2022. Police spokesperson Tomáš Procházka stated that the minimal amount discovered did not warrant further action. Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová criticized the lack of communication about the incident, while Interior Minister Vít Rakušan defended the police's handling of the situation.

A new bill requiring gun and ammunition dealers to report suspicious purchases and for police to seize weapons from suspicious owners will not be implemented from July. The opposition ANO and SPD parties vetoed the fast-tracking of this government-proposed bill on Friday. The bill, prompted by the deadly December attack at Charles University, will be revisited in June. ANO's Alena Schillerová cited constitutional rights concerns for the veto, while Interior Minister Vít Rakušan defended the proposal.

Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of musicians and dancers paraded through Prague on Friday to celebrate the Khamoro festival, a week-long event promoting Roma culture. The parade, featuring colorful costumes and a horse-drawn carriage, began at Wenceslas Square and ended at Old Town Square with performances. The festival, organized by Slovo 21 NGO, includes music, dancing, and culinary events, and ends with a gala concert on Saturday.