Czech news in brief for June 30: Sunday's top headlines

Approximately 15,000 members of the Czech Sokol community participated in the opening parade of the 17th All-Sokol Gathering in Prague. The parade, which included members from all over the country, began in the morning and ended at Old Town Square. The event, organized by up to 20,000 participants, will feature mass performances by trainees on July 4th and 5th at the Fortuna Arena in Eden. Despite the hot weather, the participants were in high spirits and some even arrived in period costumes or unique t-shirts. 

According to a recent election model by research agency Kantar CZ, the senior opposition ANO party would win 34 percent of the vote if elections were held in Czechia now. The ruling Civic Democrats party would come in second with 16 percent of the vote. Of the remaining four government parties, the Pirates party and Mayors and Independents party would also gain seats in the Chamber of Deputies with 9 percent and 8.5 percent support respectively.

President Petr Pavel signed a document today to initiate the process of appointing a new Czech ambassador to Russia. The process may take up to a year as Russia's agreement is necessary. The previous ambassador Vítězslav Pivoňka left the position at the end of May after serving for six years. In March, Pavel stated that the decision was up to the Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský and Prime Minister Petr Fiala have both expressed support for filling the position.

According to the Czech Foreign Ministry, travelers visiting Turkey should register with the DROZD online information system and follow local authorities' instructions, as forest and agricultural fires have occurred in the southwestern Izmir area. While Turkish officials say that there is currently no immediate danger, there may be short-term service disruptions. The Ministry advises Czech citizens to monitor local media. Several flights to and from Turkey are currently delayed as a result of excessive heat and fires.

The Old Catholic Church in Czechia announced that starting Jan. 1, 2025, it will allow same-sex unions to be concluded in the church. This decision comes with the implementation of the new Civil Code, which grants same-sex partnerships with similar rights to a heterosexual marriage. The church will be the first in the Czech Republic to declare its support for same-sex partnerships with state validity publicly and will conduct church ceremonies to bless these unions.

Today is the last day to exchange old Czech banknotes issued between 1995 and 1999 at most major Czech banks After this date, they can only be exchanged at select Czech National Bank cash desks – seven in the country. Around 41 million invalid banknotes are still in circulation, with the most being CZK 100 and CZK 200 notes. Invalid banknotes can be recognized by a thin, non-color-changing silvery stripe or the pre-2000 year of issue.

The Open House Prague organization is offering guided tours of Prague's Strahov Stadium from today to Friday, showcasing the history of the Sokol gymnastics organization and its mass meetings. The tours will visit various areas of the stadium including the President's Lounge and the stands. Visitors will learn about the stadium's role in hosting major events such as Spartakiads, military parades, and concerts by artists like the Rolling Stones.

A train at the Nymburk main station passed a stop signal but was able to stop immediately. The incident caused a three-hour delay, but no injuries were reported. The Railway Inspectorate is currently investigating the issue. The train, which stopped at 3 p.m., had 19 passengers who were safely evacuated to the station building due to hot weather. The line between Kostomlaty nad Labem and Poděbrady, both in Central Bohemia, was restored around 6 p.m.

Czech police and firefighters are facing a budget shortage of approximately CZK 2 billion for operating expenses, a report from Czech Television finds. Interior Minister Vít Rakušan expects the cabinet to increase the ministry's budget in August to ensure the functioning of both forces. The police need CZK 1.4 billion and the Fire Corps needs CZK 750 million for their operations. In addition, the police unions are demanding a 10-percent pay raise and may protest if their demands are not met.