politics Poll: ANO leads, Pirates return to parliament
The ANO movement would win February’s parliamentary elections with 33.5 percent support, followed by the Spolu coalition at 18.5 percent and STAN at 10 percent, according to a Median poll. Seven parties would enter the Chamber of Deputies, including the Pirates at 6 percent. A possible ANO-Spolu coalition would secure a majority. The poll, conducted in February, assumes 60.5 percent voter turnout.
Emergency Benzene found in groundwater after tanker spill
The Olomouc Region Security Council will decide Friday whether to declare a state of danger following a toxic benzene spill in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, Governor Ladislav Okleštěk said. Environment Minister Petr Hladík urged swift action, warning of worsening contamination. If the region delays, Hladík may request a state of emergency. The spill, from a February train derailment, has severely impacted groundwater and will take years to remediate.
diplomacy Dutch royal couple to visit Czechia in June
Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima will visit Czechia on June 4-5 at the invitation of President Petr Pavel, the Presidential Office announced Wednesday. Details of their program will be released later. The Netherlands is a key trade partner for Czechia, with Czech exports reaching 199 billion crowns in 2023. The visit continues long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
economy Colt CZ reports record revenues in 2024
Colt CZ Group SE posted record revenues of CZK 22.38 billion in 2024, up 50.6 percent year-on-year, driven by higher firearms sales and the Sellier & Bellot acquisition. Adjusted net profit fell 5.7 percent to CZK 1.93 billion due to financing costs. The board proposes a CZK 15 dividend per share. The company expects further growth in 2025, focusing on military contracts and global expansion.
Culture FAMU condemns Palestinian filmmaker attack
The Prague-based Film Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) condemned Monday’s assault on Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal by radical Jewish settlers and his subsequent detention by the Israeli army in the occupied West Bank. Ballal, an Oscar-winning director, was beaten while filming outside his home. FAMU denounced attacks on filmmakers documenting human rights violations, calling them a threat to free speech and artistic expression.