Last Thursday, Tomio Okamura (SPD) ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the Czech lower house of parliament shortly after being elected its speaker. The act sparked widespread debate across the Czech political scene. The latest reaction came from President Petr Pavel, whose stance can be summarised as: flags are a symbol, but it would be …

Tomio Okamura, leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, has been elected Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, making him the third-highest constitutional official in Czechia. A controversial figure, he was charged earlier this year with inciting racial hatred. But can he reinvent himself in his new role as Speaker, as he seems to hope…

The two successor states of Czechoslovakia find themselves in a period of recalibration. With Andrej Babiš on the verge of being appointed as prime minister in Prague and Robert Fico reasserting his influence in Bratislava, questions abound over how these two nations will manage their ties amid what were differing approaches to the Russia–Ukraine w…

Viktor Yushchenko, who served as president of Ukraine from 2005 to 2010, was a central figure in Ukraine’s democratic trajectory. He played a key role in the Orange Revolution of late 2004, a precursor to the Maidan Revolution ten years later that fundamentally changed the country’s future. On my trip to Ukraine in early October with a group of int…

In Czechia, many statues commemorate the Czech patron saint St. Wenceslaus. However, an important depiction of him can also be found in the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna – and now, after more than 300 years, it is finally complete again.

As coalition talks between ANO, SPD, and the Motorists' parties continue, education has become one of the most sensitive topics on the table. While all three parties agree on raising teachers’ pay and cutting bureaucracy, SPD and the Motorists have called for an end to inclusion in schools. The debate, experts say, reflects not only policy disagree…

Nicholas Merrick has officially assumed his duties as the new U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. Yesterday, he presented his credentials to President Petr Pavel, beginning his first diplomatic posting.

Through the work of the Czech NGO Koridor UA, we take a look at what everyday life is like in parts of Ukraine and what it means to help on the ground. How do fishnets help save lives? How have humanitarian needs evolved since the beginning of the war? How can a comparatively small Czech NGO have a big impact? And what motivates volunteers?…

Czech election winner, Andrej Babiš, is fighting an uphill battle to form a government in the face of a major scandal involving one of his potential coalition partners. Filip Turek from the Motorists’ party, who was a hot candidate for the post of foreign minister, is being investigated for hate speech, with fresh allegations against him cropping u…

Czech President Petr Pavel delivered a speech at the Forum 2000 international conference in Prague on Monday. He addressed the security threat posed by Russia, which, according to Pavel, aims to dismantle Europe step by step. “Russia poses a fundamental threat to European freedom, security, and democracy,” the president stated.…

Talks on forming a new Czech government have run into serious difficulties over two potential nominees from the Motorists’ party. While the likely future head of government, Andrej Babiš (ANO) would prefer for the party to nominate experts to its four allotted portfolios, the Motorists have made it clear that either their members get posts in the c…

A record number of young candidates won seats in the recent Czech parliamentary elections— a fourfold increase compared to the previous term. Why are young people suddenly gaining voter support? And what role do political youth organisations play in this?

ANO leader Andrej Babiš scored a decisive victory in the Czech general elections at the weekend, but failed to secure enough support to govern alone. Now, he faces tough coalition talks with two fringe parties –the SPD and the Motorists who could help him to secure a comfortable majority of 108 seats.…

Eighty-seven years ago, Nazi Germany, Italy, France, and Great Britain signed the Munich Agreement, leading Czechoslovakia to surrender its borderlands to Germany. Thousands of new bunkers called "řopíky," built to defend against the Nazis, became useless as they were mostly in occupied territory. Now some of them are for sale.…

In an address to the public three days before the country’s general elections, President Petr Pavel urged Czechs to go to the polls. He said that now, more than ever, Czechia needs a government that will ensure its security, protect its sovereignty and not leave it at the mercy of Russia.

The Center for Online Risk Research, an initiative led by IT experts, has drawn attention to the activity of fake accounts on TikTok in Czechia. Their analysis revealed nearly three hundred interconnected accounts that artificially boost their reach to millions of views per week by sharing and commenting on each other’s content.…

In the wake of repeated violations of NATO airspace, the Western allies have signaled their readiness to defend “every inch of NATO territory”, warning Putin that the next Russian fighter jet that violates NATO airspace will be shot down. As Europe bolsters its defenses and prepares for possible conflict – Czech leaders are bringing home the messag…

With growing international support for a Palestinian state, will Czechia be under pressure to change its pro-Israeli stance? Ahead of his departure for the UN General Assembly, President Petr Pavel said that recognizing a Palestinian state is not possible without the involvement of all parties, including Israel.…

At Lány Chateau, Czech archivists opened a long-sealed envelope thought to hold the final words of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Instead, they discovered reflections written in 1934, when the first president was already gravely ill. The notes revealed Masaryk’s candid views on politics, mortality, and human weakness.…

Last week’s incursion of Russian drones into Polish territory has put NATO on high alert. Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Friday announced the launch of operation Eastern Sentry to bolster the alliances’ eastern flank and France, Germany and the Czech Republic are sending additional aircraft and troops to help guard Polish airspace.…

Czech leaders have strongly condemned Russia’s drone incursion into Polish territory, which they view as clear evidence of Russia’s mounting aggression. At its session on Wednesday, the Czech cabinet expressed solidarity with Poland and readiness to help protect Europe’s borders against further Russian provocations.…

The Czech Republic is catching up on its obligations to soldiers, police officers and diplomats who served on dangerous foreign missions. An amendment to the War Veterans Act, which took effect on September 3, will give them more benefits and greater moral recognition.

Campaigning in October’s general elections has reached a hot faze and emotions are running high. Andrej Babiš, leader of the strongest opposition party ANO, was physically attacked during a campaign rally in Moravia-Silesia on Monday, in an incident that made international headlines. Just hours before, a woman tried to spit at Prime Minister Petr F…

How far is too far? The Czech government has historically had close ties with Israel. At different points, both the Foreign Ministry and the prime minister have expressed "unequivocal support" for the country. But is there a red line for the Foreign Ministry in its backing of the country's war aims to eliminate Hamas after the October 7 Hamas terro…

Led by Denmark, several EU countries have proposed monitoring online communication to combat child abuse. The so-called “Chat Control” would allow surveillance of private emails and social media messages. The proposal lacks majority support in the EU and faces strong criticism from some EU member states, including Czechia.…

An illegal menagerie, with many big cats, has been operating for years in Kletečná near Humpolec in the Vysočina Region. The authorities have long lacked an alternative home for the animals, but a breakthrough in the problem came after a meeting of government leaders on Wednesday.

Prague’s historic Nerudova street, the steep cobbled artery leading up to Prague Castle, has become the testing ground for a clampdown on electric scooters. Prague 1 has just introduced the first official ban on e-scooters in the capital, along the entire length of the street, citing repeated accidents and growing frustration among local residents.…

Interest in voluntary military service among Czechs is waning. Since its launch in summer 2023, sign-ups for the Ministry of Defense’s “list of volunteers” have dropped from nearly 230 in the first year to just 100 last year. Volunteers share health info and pledge to prioritize military exercises if security worsens.…

The eyes of the world are on Washington, where President Trump, President Zelensky and EU heavyweights will debate further steps in ongoing talks to secure peace in Ukraine. While Prague is backing efforts to stop the bloodshed, Friday’s meeting in Alaska has evoked deep skepticism regarding the chances of securing this goal without selling out Ukr…

As the United States and Russia prepare for high-stakes talks on Ukraine later this week, the Czech Republic is intensifying its diplomatic engagement with Kyiv and its allies. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (SPOLU) is on his sixth visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Czechia has unveiled a new national logo — a simplified white lion on a red background — to unify the visual style of all state institutions. Designed by Studio Najbrt, the emblem modernizes the historic heraldic symbol while preserving its fighting spirit. Officials hope the consistent branding will boost recognition abroad and foster a sense of p…

On October 3rd and 4th, Czechs will head to the polls in a parliamentary election. For the first time ever, Czech citizens based abroad will have the possibility to make use of the postal vote. However, the deadline to sign up is less than three weeks away and the number of registered voters comes way short of expectations.…

Czechia remains one of the few EU countries firmly opposed to recognizing Palestine unless both sides recognize each other. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Spolu) says recognition now would reward Hamas and harm prospects for dialogue.

This Thursday, the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka will celebrate its National Day, the highlight of its cultural programme. The day will feature a wide range of events and will be attended by Czech President Petr Pavel. To find out more about what’s planned, I spoke to Ondřej Soška, General Commissioner of the Czech participation at the Expo.…

At a press conference on July 21st, the Czech Social Democracy party signed a memorandum of cooperation with Stačilo!, a party that incorporates the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia. The move, undertaken to strengthen the parties’ chance of electoral success, has met with severe criticism from some Social Democrats.…

The new SPYDER air defense system, ordered from Israel four years ago for nearly 14 billion crowns, promises longer range, missiles targeting multiple objectives, and a technological leap for the Czech army. It is expected to be ready for the autumn military trials.

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský symbolically received a collection of art pieces from Jan Masaryk’s former London residence, on Thursday afternoon. The roughly 30 works of art were bought out at auction by one of Masaryk’s former secretaries, after his tragic death in 1948. Radio Prague International spoke to Ivan Dubovický, host of the ceremony and …

Thursday marks the fourth day Czech firefighters have been assisting in the search for missing persons in flood-devastated central Texas, near the town of Kerrville. So far, they have recovered three bodies.

Recent reports of Czech clarinetist Jaroslav Škuta being denied entry to the United States have sparked debate about harsh border controls. But his case – like several before it – shows that U.S. immigration officers are simply enforcing long-standing rules.

The Czech Senate has approved a major reform of the country’s criminal code, including a significant shift in drug policy. Key changes include looser rules on cannabis possession and home cultivation, as well as the medical legalization of so-called magic mushrooms.

Foreigners make up approximately 25% of Prague’s population, and that number is expected to increase. But is the city building fast enough to meet demand? I spoke with Zdeňka Havlová, a researcher at the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague), to figure out how many new units Prague needs to build to meet this demand, and more.…

The Czech Army has unexpectdly scrapped its psychological support helpline, set up during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. Soldiers in need of support are advised to turn to army psychologists instead. Critics are questioning the wisdom of the move, arguing that one of the key attributes of the helpline was that it was anonymo…

Staroměstská, the central metro station on the A line for Prague’s Old Town, will be shut for one month, to repair the damage from a fire started by a group of young men on Saturday, July 5th.

The coalition government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala on Wednesday survived a no-confidence vote in the lower house over a bitcoin scandal that has shaken the government in its foundations. Although the ruling coalition will be able to complete its full four-year term in office, many questions remain unanswered and analysts predict that the bitcoin…

The scandal of the bitcoin donation to the Ministry of Justice, worth nearly one billion Czech crowns, continues to dominate the Czech political scene. On Wednesday 18th, the centre-right government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala survived a no-confidence vote, and the prime minister now likely hopes that this will settle the matter. But has the damag…

Workers in Prague have started building tracks that will connect Vinohradská třída, near the National Museum building, with Wenceslas Square. Trams will return to the area after almost half a century. The construction work is already limiting traffic on the main line, and the restrictions will be extended in the direction of the city center from Ju…

The 20th GLOBSEC Forum, held in Prague from 12–14 June 2025, brought in more than 2,000 attendees representing 78 countries to discuss the geopolitical challenges of our era. While there, I spoke to former ambassador to the US, Israel, the UK, and biographer of Václav Havel, Michael Žantovský, about the current political landscape and Czechia’s res…

The Czech army will grow by several new garrisons. It plans to create a territorial defense battalion in every region within ten years, with new bases for logistics and air defense.