Czech news in brief for November 17: Sunday's top headlines

President Petr Pavel marked the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution at Prague's Národní Street, reflecting on the opportunity to shape the country and lives according to individual desires. He acknowledged challenges in realizing all goals but emphasized the importance of dialogue. His arrival was met with mixed reactions, including protests and applause. Pavel also addressed his past involvement with the Communist Party.

The ANO party would win the Czech general election with 37 percent of the vote if held now, according to the latest Kantar poll. The Together coalition follows with 21 percent, and STAN with 12 percent. SPD and the Pirates also meet the parliamentary threshold. The survey, conducted from Oct. 21 to Nov. 8, shows rising ANO support. If Together’s parties ran individually, only ODS would enter parliament with 15 percent of the vote, while TOP 09 and KDU-ČSL would fall below the 5 percent threshold.

The Czech Republic will see a significant change in weather on Sunday, with rain across most areas and snow in the mountains, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Evening snow may also fall in regions over 600 meters above sea level. Temperatures will cool slightly, and strong winds are expected. Snowfall could intensify midweek, with possible snowstorms in areas of lower elevation as well.

A memorial plaque for Josef Jařab, a key Velvet Revolution figure in Olomouc, was unveiled Saturday on an embankment named after him in 2023. Jařab, Palacký University’s first post-communist rector, led the institution from 1990 to 1997. Known as a translator of American literature and Civic Forum founder, he passed away last year at 85. An Olomouc dormitory, previously named for communist Bohumír Šmeral, now also honors Jařab’s legacy.

Czech women’s pensions average CZK 3,300 less than men’s due to a 17.9 percent gender pay gap, according to an analysis by the Portu platform for Equal Pay Day. Women earn CZK 8,400 less monthly, the EU’s third-largest disparity, trailing only Estonia and Austria. Analyst Lukáš Raška noted that lower earnings limit women’s financial security and pensions.

The Czech army has constructed 19 bridges and two footbridges in flood-hit areas, with more underway, Defence Ministry spokesman Karel Čapek told local reporters. About 5,000 soldiers have aided recovery efforts, mapping over 50 sites and working with state agencies. Flood damage is estimated at CZK 45–50 billion, prompting increased state budget deficits.

The Union of Security Forces (UBS) has confirmed a Nov. 21 protest outside the Interior Ministry, despite Minister Vít Rakušan's pledge to raise salaries for police and firefighters by CZK 2,500. UBS Chairman Aleš Lehký stated the increase falls short of union demands. The protest aims to highlight persistent underfunding and inadequate compensation for security forces, municipal police, and staff.

Ukraine’s National Guard will strengthen its artillery with Czech-made Dita self-propelled howitzers, known for automation and a 40-kilometer range, RBC-Ukraine reports. Based on the Czechoslovak Dana model, the Dita uses a NATO-standard 155mm caliber and features a two-person operation, armored cabin, and high maneuverability. Produced by Czech firm Excalibur Army, the Dita follows other praised systems like the RM-70 Vampire rocket launcher.