Czech news in brief for May 8: Thursday’s top headlines

To mark the national holiday and 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, the Czech Parliament buildings and Liechtenstein Palace opened their doors to the public Thursday. Visitors can tour historic halls, view exhibitions on wartime history and early parliament, and explore senator offices. A Czech Press Agency photo exhibit, War Moments, is on display in the Wallenstein Garden, which features extended hours and will remain open until May 29. Admission is free. Supermarkets and stores over 200 square meters in size will be closed all day.

Up to 300 people gathered Wednesday at Prague’s Václav Havel Square to protest hate, violence, and political division in the Czech Republic. Organized by Million Moments and others, the rally responded to recent inflammatory political rhetoric. Speakers included ex-NHL goalie Dominik Hašek and Ukrainian activist Anastasiia Sihnaievska. Protesters waved Czech, Ukrainian, and NATO flags. Organizers distributed a “Manifesto 2025,” warning of foreign influence ahead of elections and urging the defense of democratic values.

A court sentenced Pavel Novotný, mayor of Prague’s Reporyje district and member of the Civic Democratic Party, to three months in prison Wednesday afternoon, converting a suspended sentence due to repeated misdemeanors during probation. Novotný filed a complaint, delaying enforcement. The court ruled he failed to lead a proper and crimeless life while on probation. If upheld, the ruling could cost him his municipal post. Both Novotný and his party declined comment pending a final verdict.

Cold weather with little precipitation will persist across the Czech Republic through the weekend, with daytime highs around 15 to 17 degrees Celsius and freezing temperatures at night, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. A cold front from the north will bring cloudy skies and possible snow in the mountains on Saturday. Scattered showers are expected, mainly in the northeast. The cool, unsettled conditions are forecast to continue into the beginning of next week.

The Czech government approved a CZK 125 million donation to NATO’s Trust Fund for non-military aid to Ukraine and an additional CZK 5 million for defense capacity-building in partner nations, officials said Monday. The aid supports Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion and strengthens security in countries including Moldova and Jordan. The contributions align with Czech commitments made at the NATO summit in Washington and reflect the country’s aim to play a key role in alliance partnerships.