Czech news in brief for May 31: Friday's top headlines

According to the STEM research agency, only 53 percent of Czechs trust President Petr Pavel currently, a decrease from 60 percent a year ago. It remains to be seen if this is a trend or a fluctuation. However, he is still more popular than his predecessor Miloš Zeman, who only had a 20 percent satisfaction rate in 2022. Pavel is more trusted by younger people and has fulfilled demands for change in the presidential role, according to them. Among people aged under 30, Pavel is trusted by 63 percent. On the contrary, among people aged over 60, he is trusted only by 43 percent.

According to a survey by the STEM/MARK research agency, ANO is leading in the European Parliament elections with 26.1 percent of the vote, followed by the Spolu (Together) coalition, which features the largest parties in the government coalition, with 22.3 percent. The Pirates are in third place with 12.1 percent. The Mayors and Independents and right-wing Freedom and Direct Democracy-Tricolor coalition have dropped in rankings. The coalition Stačilo! would also secure a seat. ANO is projected to gain 6 seats, while Spolu would have one less. 

TO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has proposed a multi-year financial commitment from allies to provide at least EUR 40 billion (about CZK 988 billion) annually to Ukraine. This fund will address both current and future needs, to defend against present threats and deter aggression in the future. The Czech Republic supports the idea of a clear financial framework for Ukraine. Stoltenberg expects decisions on aid to be made at the NATO summit in July. The donated weapons will become part of Ukraine's future army.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies has announced it will hold a special session on Thursday next week to discuss the EU migration pact, which was approved by member states in May. The session, called by Chamber Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová, will focus on the impact of the pact and allegations of government officials allegedly spreading lies about it. Prime Minister Petr Fiala has stated that the pact is just the first step and Czechia has joined a group of countries to tackle illegal migration more effectively. 

The Czech Chamber of Deputies backed the government’s controversial pension reform, proposing to raise the retirement age above 65 and reduce new pension calculations. The three-day debate lasted 32 hours and was dominated by opposition criticism. The social committee will now discuss the bill. Opposition attempts to reject or revise the bill failed. The government argues that the reform is essential for pension system sustainability.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for greater NATO involvement in coordinating security and training for Ukraine before a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Prague. He emphasized Ukraine’s right to defend itself, including attacking legitimate targets in Russia. Stoltenberg proposed a EUR 100 billion Ukraine fund and noted increased NATO roles in munitions and training coordination. U.S. President Biden partially lifted a ban on U.S. weapons use in Russia.

Eurostat reported that the European Union’s unemployment rate remained 6 percent in April. The Czech Republic had the lowest rate, dropping to 2.7 percent from 2.9 percent in March. Poland followed with 3 percent. Spain and Greece had the highest rates, at 11.7 percent and 10.8 percent, respectively. EU youth unemployment fell to 14.4 percent but rose to 7.5 percent in the Czech Republic. Eurostat's data differ from national statistics.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was transported from Banska Bystrica University Hospital to his Bratislava apartment to continue recovering from gunshot wounds, Slovak media reported. Hospital director Miriam Lapunikova confirmed the transfer. Initially, Fico was thought to be moved to St Michael's University Hospital. The move follows a shooting attack in Handlova two weeks ago, with the shooter facing severe charges.

As president, Miloš Zeman tried to halt prosecutions related to Security Information Service (BIS) leaks and the shredding of the Vrbětice explosion report, according to letters published by iROZHLAS.cz. Zeman aimed to secure impunity for his chancellor, Vratislav Mynář, but Prime Minister Petr Fiala refused to co-sign. Zeman previously denied making these requests. The documents were declassified by President Petr Pavel.