Czech news in brief for February 25: Tuesday’s top headlines

February has been exceptionally dry in the Czech Republic, with only a quarter of the usual precipitation recorded so far. Meteorologists expect the month to rank among the driest Februarys since 1961. Snowfall has also been significantly below average, with mountain regions seeing far less than normal. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has tracked the precipitation deficit since mid-January, and forecasts predict little relief in the coming days. This month has been favorable for snow cover formation, in contrast to last February.

A new survey by the NMS Market Research agency reveals that most Czechs and Slovaks distrust both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In Czechia, 59 percent distrust Zelenskyy, and 81 percent distrust Putin. However, Czechs trust the Ukrainian president more than Putin (32 percent versus 11 percent). According to the survey, Czech President Petr Pavel is trusted by exactly 50 percent of the population.

American musician Pitbull has announced he will perform at Prague’s O2 Arena on June 18, 2025, as part of his Party After Dark tour. This marks his return to the Czech Republic after 13 years. The concert will feature Jamaican-American reggae musician Shaggy as a special guest. Pitbull, known for songs such as Give Me Everything and Timber, has sold over 25 million albums globally. Tickets go on sale on Feb. 28, 2025, at 9 a.m.

 A Prague court has today ruled that painting a Ukrainian flag in an apartment complex near the Russian Embassy was not a criminal act. The case was referred to municipal authorities as a possible misdemeanor. The Kaputin association painted the flag last year in protest. Prosecutors initially sought criminal charges, but the defendants argued it was political expression, not vandalism. The ruling is not final, as the prosecutor has filed a complaint.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will visit Israel on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss Middle East developments and launch NATO’s Liaison Embassy, the Czech Foreign Ministry said. He will meet Israeli leaders, including President Jitzchak Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu. Lipavský will also speak with hostage families. His visit follows his October 2023 trip after Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel. He will also meet Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and other officials.

The international order is undergoing its biggest shift since communism’s fall, Czech PM Petr Fiala said, urging Europe to strengthen defense. Speaking on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he called for boosting NATO spending, using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, and investing in Czechia’s defense industry. He warned that without reforms, the EU risks losing global competitiveness.

Prague-Motol University Hospital director Miloslav Ludvik was dismissed Monday following a police raid over alleged corruption in hospital construction projects. Authorities have accused 16 individuals of bribery, subsidy fraud, and harming EU financial interests. The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, focuses on multimillion-crown contracts with construction firms. Vice director Lucie Valentová-Bartáková has assumed leadership.

Police detained a juvenile after a shooting threat at Březiny Elementary School in Děčín. Authorities received the report at 1:30 p.m. and quickly secured the suspect. No students were harmed, police confirmed. The school locked down and alerted authorities, earning praise from officials for its swift response. Police are questioning the suspect, but details about a weapon remain undisclosed.

Czech farmers will stage nationwide protests on Feb. 27 against EU trade agreements allowing duty-free food imports from Ukraine and South America. They argue these deals undermine local producers by imposing fewer regulations abroad. Farmers demand fair market conditions, reduced bureaucracy, and clearer food labeling. Protest convoys will occur across the country and at border points, with further details expected Wednesday.

Czech officials, including Prime Minister Petr Fiala, launched construction of the Janáček Culture Centre, a six-story concert hall for the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra. The long-awaited venue, set to open in 2027, will seat 1,200 and cost over 2.3 billion crowns. Officials highlight its top-tier acoustics and Brno’s deep musical heritage, calling it a major milestone for Czech culture.

American poet Michael March, founder of the Prague Writers’ Festival, died Sunday at 78, his wife confirmed. A longtime Prague resident, March brought 11 Nobel laureates to the festival, reviving author readings in the city. Born in New York, he previously organized literary events in London. A farewell event is planned. March also published poetry and taught at New York University in Prague.