Czech news in brief for August 21: Thursday’s top headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel said Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline approach in Gaza is making it harder for Prague to defend Israel’s actions. Speaking to Czech media, Pavel stressed that while Hamas must release all remaining hostages, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is “unsustainable.” He noted his government differs from Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s cabinet, which backs Israel with few reservations. Pavel will speak with Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog next week.

Czechs are commemorating the 57th anniversary of the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion with ceremonies and gatherings nationwide. The main event will take place before noon at the Czech Radio building in Prague, attended by President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala and parliamentary leaders. Tributes are also planned in Brno, Liberec, Pilsen and other cities. In the evening, a rally outside the Russian embassy will honor victims of the Soviet-led invasion and express support for Ukraine.

Volařík Winery from Mikulov has been named Winemaker of the Year 2025 in the Czech Republic, organizers announced Thursday at Prague’s Žofín palace. It also earned the National Champion of White Wines title for its 2021 Riesling. Second place went to Martin Čapka of Prušánky, who also won Most Successful Family Winery, while Jiří Uherek of Sudoměřice placed third. This year’s competition featured 66 wineries and 666 wines, with Slovak producers honored in separate categories.

 Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have fallen to their lowest level in two months, according to data from the Czech Credit Bureau (CCS). The average price of gasoline dropped CZK 0.09 to CZK 33.92 per liter, while diesel fell CZK 0.33 to CZK 32.65. In a year-on-year comparison, gasoline is CZK 3.66 cheaper and diesel CZK 3.18 lower, meaning motorists are paying significantly less than at this time last year. The lowest prices are in Ústí nad Labem and Karlovy Vary regions, while Prague drivers pay the most.

The Czech Republic will see mostly cloudy skies with occasional showers this weekend, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Saturday’s forecast calls for variable cloudiness with light rain in northern mountains, while Sunday will be partly cloudy with showers in the northeast. Temperatures both days will range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Rainfall will continue in the east through Friday, though today’s highs may reach 27 degrees in the Elbe region before cooling.