Czech news in brief for May 1: Wednesday's top headlines

Miroslav Macek, an ex-deputy prime minister in Czechoslovakia and co-founder of today’s Civic Democratic Party, has died at the age of 79. During his political life, he also headed up the Czechoslovak Labor Ministry and later became an external advisor to President Václav Klaus. Earlier today, Klaus described “one of his closest associates” as a politician who had significantly contributed to the emergence of the post-Soviet authentic right wing. Politically, he profiled himself as a strong opponent of socialism and the left.

An analysis by the STEM research agency shows that Czech satisfaction with EU membership has fluctuated over the past twenty years. The highest satisfaction was during Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek's tenure in 2009, while the lowest was during the migration crisis in 2016. This year, 51 percent of Czechs view EU membership positively, citing benefits such as freedom to travel and work, but also expressing concerns about the EU's directives and potential loss of law-making independence. 

At a Workers’ Day event on Střelecký Island in Prague, tensions arose between supporters and opponents of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM). Police had to intervene to resolve verbal conflicts. The communists criticized capitalism and the current coalition government, and some KSČM members and supporters displayed red flags with the party’s logo. Opponents of the KSČM held EU, NATO, US, and Ukrainian flags. Some European Parliament candidates also made appearances at the KSČM assembly. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on social media for expediting the Czech government's initiative to purchase artillery ammunition for Ukraine. The Czech Republic has already procured 500,000 pieces of ammunition and is expected to secure an additional 300,000. Fiala proposed the idea at an EU summit in February and expects the first supplies to arrive in June. According to Czech President Petr Pavel, 20 countries have joined the project.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Czechia's role in shaping the EU's future during a Prague gala concert marking the 20th anniversary of Czech accession to the Union. In a speech, von der Leyen highlighted Czech assistance to Ukraine and its stance against Russian energy blackmail. Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized EU unity in times of crisis, citing the Russian threat and global competition. The event, at Prague's Rudolfinum, featured a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, symbolizing European unity.

The Czech Republic observes May 1, Labor Day, today with political party meetings, maypole raisings, nationwide parades, and celebrations of love. In Prague, Communists, Social Democrats, and anarchists will gather at Strělecký ostrov for May Day meetings. The ODS party meets in Kampa Park, while Free Party supporters convene in Petřín. A student majáles procession will parade through Prague, marking the occasion. Labor Day, commemorating the Chicago workers' strike, has been observed in Czechia since 1890.

The Czech Republic saw record-breaking temperatures with 24 of 168 weather stations reporting new highs for April 30. The warmest spot was Husinc-Řež at 29.1 degrees Celsius; Bohemian regions, particularly Polabí and Poohří, experienced warmer weather. Tuhan in Mělnick hit 29 degrees, while Žatec, Pilsen-Bolevec, and Doksany in Litoměřice set new records slightly below. The warm trend is expected to continue, with temperatures remaining above 20 degrees throughout the weekend, although showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for Friday.

The Czech Statistical Office reported a 0.4 percent year-on-year GDP growth in Q1, with a 0.5 percent increase from the previous quarter, mainly fueled by domestic consumption. Analysts anticipate a potential surpassing of pre-pandemic levels in Q2, with a projected 1.5 percent annual GDP growth. Economists expect continued recovery barring unforeseen shocks. Despite concerns over German economic slowdown, analysts note Czechia's resilience and its vital role in EU growth.

An exhibition devoted to the work of Tim Burton opened in Prague's Municipal House Tuesday. Featuring nearly 600 sketches, puppets, and sets from his films the exhibit sold approximately 17,000 advance tickets. Organizers anticipate surpassing the 2014 record of 102,000 visitors. Costing around CZK 30 million the exhibition marks Burton's return to Prague after a decade, promising his signature blend of dreamy, fantastical, and sometimes macabre works.