Czech news in brief for March 8: Sunday’s top afternoon headlines

Public trust in Czech President Petr Pavel has increased to 57 percent, according to a new survey by the STEM Institute. The poll also shows more people believe he is too involved in domestic politics compared with last year. Support remains strongest among younger and more educated voters, while voters of the governing parties are less trusting. Analysts say his role in post-election talks in late 2025 improved perceptions.

Longtime moderator Václav Moravec announced he is leaving Czech Television after more than 21 years, citing concerns over editorial independence. Moravec said he no longer feels able to guarantee impartial reporting under current conditions. He made the announcement at the end of his Sunday program, thanking viewers and his team. His departure comes amid broader debates over public media funding and independence in Czechia.

The populist ANO party would win parliamentary elections with 34.5 percent of the vote, according to a new poll by Kantar CZ for Czech Television. Mayors and Independents (STAN) placed second with 15.5 percent, ahead of Civic Democratic Party (ODS) at 14.5 percent. The Pirates would receive about nine percent, while Freedom and Direct Democracy would gain roughly 6.5 percent.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka criticized Senate Chair Miloš Vystrčil for using a military CASA aircraft to travel to Italy for the Winter Paralympics. Macinka said the small delegation could have used a commercial flight, given ongoing repatriation efforts from the Middle East. The military stated the aircraft was not designated for evacuations and that the trip had been planned in advance.

Nearly 40 percent of people in Czechia do not attend preventive medical checkups, increasing their risk of heart attack or stroke, health experts warn. Data from the Institute of Health Information and Statistics show men are less likely to visit doctors, especially those aged 40 to 50. Physicians say checkups can detect risk factors such as high cholesterol and blood pressure early.