# Czech government response to drought and political criticism > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/czech-government-response-to-drought-and-political-criticism > Updated: 2026-08-14T20:13:32.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has detailed a plan to allocate 4 billion CZK from the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget next year to combat drought. These funds are earmarked for connecting water networks, constructing small reservoirs and ponds, and implementing irrigation measures. The plan also includes preparatory work for major waterworks, such as land acquisitions and documentation for reservoirs in Nové Heřminy, Kryry, and Vlachovice. To address the water crisis, the government is reinstating the National Coalition Against Drought. While Babiš emphasizes the urgency of these measures, political opposition remains divided. MP Miroslav Ševčík has criticized the focus on drought, suggesting the situation is being treated with ‘hysteria’ and arguing that the climate crisis has effectively ended due to the funding of ineffective programs. Separately, Babiš faced scrutiny following a hike to Lysá Hora, where he apologized for picking flowers in a protected area. He stated the act was a personal tribute to a deceased acquaintance and expressed readiness to pay any resulting fines. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Czech Prime Minister Babiš announces 4 billion CZK drought relief plan Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced a 4 billion CZK plan to combat drought in the Czech Republic through new reservoirs and water management, amid political debate over climate policy. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andrej-babi-faces-criticism-over-czech-drought-response ### 2026-08-09: Andrej Babiš and Czech officials take summer holidays Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and several ANO party officials are on vacation in locations including Greece, Japan, Austria, and Croatia, sparking mixed social media reactions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andrej-babi-and-czech-officials-take-summer-holidays --- Cite as: Czech government response to drought and political criticism. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/czech-government-response-to-drought-and-political-criticism