Czech news in brief for March 14: Thursday's top headlines

According to a survey for the Central European Digital Media Observatory, most Czechs lack awareness of deepfakes and artificial intelligence (AI) language models like ChatGPT. Only 40 percent correctly identified deepfakes, while three-quarters stated they don't use artificial intelligence. Just 1 percent reported daily AI use, with 5 percent using it several times a week, predominantly among younger demographics. Roughly three-fifths of people fear that politicians and political parties will start to make extensive use of false AI videos generated to use against their political competitors.

Survey data from research company STEM shows that Czechs' trust in the army has plummeted for the fourth consecutive year, now standing at 62 percent – the lowest figure since 2008. People younger than the age of 30 exhibit higher confidence, at 79 percent, alongside greater support for Czechia's NATO membership, with 80 percent approval compared to 70 percent overall. In 2020, a record 78 percent of the population trusted the army and the police.

Chairman of the Agricultural Association Martin Pýcha has announced that Czech farmers will participate in European protests on March 20, staging tractor rides across the Czech Republic and at borders. Although the government's proposals to support agriculture were acknowledged, Pýcha stated they wouldn't substantially aid Czech farmers due to ongoing market instability, particularly concerning Russian imports via third countries. Farmers also plan a separate protest on March 21 in Prague – their third in the capital.

Czechia's sixth-ranked tennis player Jiří Veselý will be the second seed at the upcoming Falkensteiner Punta Skala Zadar Challenger tournament in Croatia this month, which gets underway March 17. The world number 280 will be up against Grand Slam winner Dominic Thiem. Veselý has in the past defeated current world number one Novak Djokovic on two occasions, and has a career-high ranking of world number 35.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. begins his official visit to Prague today, meeting Czech leaders, including President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala. A business forum at the Černín Palace highlights economic ties. Marcos and his wife begin at Prague Castle and later meet Parliament heads. Talks with Fiala focus on financial, defense cooperation, labor migration, and regional affairs. The visit underscores efforts to strengthen bilateral relations following similar engagements in Germany and the Philippines.

Russia is initiating criminal prosecutions against over 50 politicians from the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia for the removal of Soviet-era monuments, per Russian news source SHOT. Among those targeted are Prague 6 Mayor Jakub Stárek and predecessor Ondřej Kolář for removing a statue of Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev. Russian law provides for up to five years in prison. Czech officials condemn the prosecutions as unenforceable.

Members of the European Parliament (EP) approved the new Euro 7 emission standard on Wednesday with adjusted limits for both passenger and commercial vehicles. The legislation aims to reduce emissions from tires and brakes while extending battery life. The compromise allows Czech automakers more time to adapt to the new rules. Euro 7, designed to promote cleaner mobility, still requires formal approval from the EU Council, composed of member states.

First Lady Eva Pavlová’s Endowment Fund has introduced a charitable presidential banknote featuring Czech President Petr Pavel. Proceeds from the commemorative sheet sales benefit the “Healthier Families” project, aiding vulnerable groups like children and seniors. Each of the five series, comprising 2,000 pieces, sells at CZK 3,500. Pavel, the honored figure, expressed initial concerns but embraced the initiative to support the fund’s endeavors, as stated in the foundation’s press release.

The Czech ammunition initiative for Ukraine, backed by 18 countries, provides crucial support amid Russian aggression. With 500,000 cartridges pledged, deliveries are expected by June. The Telegraph notes the significance, as artillery dominance often determines outcomes in ground combat. The timely initiative ensures Ukrainian resilience during Russia’s winter offensive, countering its superior artillery. This collaborative effort underscores international solidarity and the Czech Republic’s strategic role in aiding Ukraine’s defense.

ANO, led by Andrej Babiš, maintains a significant lead in Czechia’s political landscape, polling 31 percent ahead of ODS (12.5 percent) and the Pirates (11 percent), Median agency reports. SPD and STAN are projected to enter parliament with 9.5 percent and 9 percent respectively. TOP 09 narrowly surpasses the threshold, while KDU-CSL faces a potential loss. ANO’s ability to retain voters and attract new ones, particularly first-time voters, solidifies its position. Voter turnout remains uncertain, with only half committed to voting.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is set to visit Prague on March 20, ahead of the Visegrad Four Group (V4) diplomacy heads meeting. He’ll meet with Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský to discuss bilateral relations, aid to Ukraine, and resistance against Russian aggression. Disagreements among V4 countries persist, notably over Ukraine. The visit aligns with preparations for Poland’s EU presidency. Ministerial meetings across V4 sectors continue, though some have been postponed.

Tabor, South Bohemia, is preparing events commemorating Jan Žižka’s 600th death anniversary. Žižka, a key figure in the 15th-century Hussite movement, will be honored with exhibitions, musical performances, and a historical battle reconstruction, and the Year of Žižka commenced with a museum exhibition in February, followed by a documentary film project. Žižka, born circa 1360, led Hussites until he died in 1424, shaping Czech history with his religious and military leadership.