Babiš approved a new army chief, government discusses media…

Babiš approved a new army chief, government discusses media financing and increases parental allowance

18.05.2026 18:00 HotInfo

On Monday, the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš approved the appointment of Miroslav Hlaváč as the new Chief of the General Staff of the army. Hlaváč, who has so far served as first deputy to the outgoing chief Karel Řehka, will lead the armed forces after obtaining the consent of the president and parliament. Notably, Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna was the only cabinet member to vote against this proposal. The government also decided to transfer the civilian airport in Mošnov under army administration, citing its strategic importance for the state's defense needs. Babiš is also considering handing over the airport in Karlovy Vary to the army. ihned.cz ↗

The government supported an increase in the parental allowance, which will rise from 350 thousand to 400 thousand crowns starting in January 2027. The proposal was confirmed by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Aleš Juchelka after Monday's cabinet meeting. The government also approved an amendment to the law on balanced representation of women and men in the leadership of large business companies, which stems from an EU directive that the Czech Republic was already required to implement earlier. idnes.cz ↗

The reform of public broadcasting media financing remains a controversial topic. On Sunday, Prime Minister Babiš announced that the coalition council will discuss the bill on public service media on May 25. The proposal by Culture Minister Ota Klempíř (Motorists) envisions abolishing television and radio license fees and replacing them with direct state subsidy. Babiš stated regarding the proposal that "it doesn't look good" and wants Klempíř to respond to all the comments raised. The proposal has triggered massive public opposition — on Sunday, protests were held across the republic under the slogan of supporting Czech Television and Radio, attended by thousands of people. irozhlas.cz ↗

Public opinion polls show that Václav Havel remains the best president since 1989. Current President Petr Pavel came in third place, having been overtaken for second place by Václav Klaus. Pavel's rating among the public has slightly worsened compared to last year — he received an average grade of 2.9 instead of last year's 2.6. In the following week, Pavel received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček at Prague Castle. The president also attended the Superbike World Championship in Most, where he arrived on a motorcycle and photographed the racing event. lidovky.cz ↗

Globsec, a prestigious global forum, is taking place in Prague this week. Unlike in previous years, when it was held in Bratislava, it has moved to the Czech Republic. President Pavel will open the conference. lidovky.cz ↗