News: Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

Thousands gather in Prague to support Ukraine on invasion anniversary

Thousands of people filled Prague’s Old Town Square today to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Organized by NGOs, the gathering emphasized the need to maintain support for Ukraine. President Petr Pavel and Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Zvaryč were among the speakers. Participants carried Ukrainian and EU flags, sunflowers, and banners condemning Vladimir Putin. A candlelit march to the Taras Shevchenko monument followed. The event included stories of war victims and a special exhibition by Amnesty International. Similar events are being held across Czechia as the anniversary falls on February 24.

Czechia spent CZK 62.5 billion on aid for Ukrainian refugees, tax contributions reached CZK 55.5 billion

Since the start of the war, Czechia has spent CZK 62.5 billion on humanitarian aid and support for Ukrainian refugees, while their tax contributions have reached CZK 55.5 billion. Revenues first exceeded expenditures in Q3 2023, with a surplus of CZK 8 billion recorded for the full year. Interior Ministry data shows 397,400 Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection. Labor Minister Marian Jurečka emphasized that most refugees support themselves. Employment among them is rising, with 150,300 working in January 2024, up from 114,900 a year earlier.

ANO Party leads Czech election polls with 34.7% support

The latest STEM election model shows that the ANO Perty would win Czech elections with 34.7% of the vote, followed by the Together coalition at 18.5% and Mayors and Independants at 11.4%. Freedom and Direct Democracy Party, Pirate Party, and Enough coalition would also enter the Chamber of Deputies, while the Motorists would fall short of the required 5% threshold. ANO Party would secure 88 parliamentary seats, gaining two compared to last week's model. Together would receive 46 seats, and Mayors and Independents 26, both improving by two seats. Freedom and Direct Democracy Party would win 19 seats, Enough! 11, and the Pirate Party 10.

Czechs bet CZK 983 billion on gambling in 2023, up 12.5% year-on-year

Gambling stakes in Czechia reached CZK 983 billion in 2023, marking a 12.5% increase from the previous year. Winnings paid out rose 12.7% to CZK 917.3 billion, while gambling operators paid CZK 21.4 billion in taxes, according to the Financial Administration. Slot machines dominated, accounting for 78.8% of all bets (CZK 774.9 billion). Sports betting followed at CZK 145.2 billion, growing by 10%. Live games saw a 12% rise to CZK 37.6 billion, while lottery bets totaled CZK 25.2 billion. Online gambling continues to expand, particularly in sports betting, where 95.8% of wagers were placed online.

Kvitová to make comeback in Austin against Burrage

Czech top tennis player Petra Kvitová will return to tennis after maternity leave at the WTA250 tournament in Austin, facing Britain’s Jodie Burrage in the first round. It will be her first match since October 2023. If she wins, she will meet either Katie Volynets or Ajla Tomljanovic.´The former world No. 2 received a wildcard for Austin and Indian Wells. Kvitová last played in Beijing in 2023 before announcing her pregnancy. She gave birth to her son, Petr, in July.

Czech Post plans to expand partner branches from 1,000 to 1,500

Czech Post aims to increase its network of partner branches from 1,000 to 1,500 by 2029, focusing on rural areas. These "Pošta Partner" offices, often operated by municipalities, provide essential postal services, including parcel delivery, pension payments, and SIPO transactions. Currently, municipalities run 60% of these branches. With around 100 new locations opening annually, the initiative ensures continued postal service availability in remote regions where traditional post offices face lower demand. The expansion aligns with the state-owned company’s strategy to maintain accessibility in smaller communities.

Weather

Weather will be partly cloudy to clear, with occasional fog or low clouds in Bohemia and a cloudy start in the east. Temeprature highs will reach 8 to 12°C, around 6°C in foggy areas and at 1000m in the mountains.