News

Klaus warns of difficult year ahead in annual address

President Václav Klaus has given his annual New Year’s address to the nation. Mr Klaus said that a poor atmosphere in society and mutual distrust was worsening, partly due to various advocacy groups trying to acquire benefits for themselves at the expense of others. The country, he said, is unable to find political leaders because it reins in, rather than supports, those who step out of line. While noting that the Czech Republic was more stable than other countries of the EU, the president said that Czechs must fundamentally alter their approach and not increase their needs if the economy does not allow it. The coming year, he said, would not be an easy one, and the country will need further, speedy reforms to its political, economic and social system.

Nečas praises, Sobotka condemns president’s speech

Prime Minister Petr Nečas praised the president’s speech for its rejection of false optimism and false promises while avoiding fear mongering over the state of the economy. Mr Nečas said he strongly agreed with Mr Klaus’ appeal for personal responsibility and call for support for the able, gifted and hard-working. Social Democratic Chairman Bohuslav Sobotka spoke against President Klaus’ criticism of advocacy groups and unfulfilled expectations from the country’s entry into the EU. Mr Sobotka said the president neglected the need for reforms to also be socially tolerable.

Three Czechs arrested in Zambia returned home

Three Czech citizens who were arrested in Zambia on charges of espionage have been returned home after two and a half months in captivity. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it expects their court proceedings in Zambia will continue in their and hopes their innocence will be proven. The three men were visiting the Zambian capital of Lusaka as tourists after a business trip to South Africa in October. They were arrested and charged with spying after being found to have photographed an old Czechoslovak plane displayed in front of a military base.

Relatively calm New Year’s Eve for emergency services

This year’s New Year’s Eve was calmer for police, fire and medical services, the Czech Press Agency reports. Fire services around the country received a high volume of calls - twice the average in Prague. Most fires involved rubbish bins or greenery lit by fireworks. The most serious incidents were apparently unrelated to celebrations. Police have a suspect in the shooting of two men during a fight in the northern town of Tanvald. One road accident near Trutnov left one person dead and other in serious condition. A fire near Šumperk in Moravia threatened a leak of poisonous hydrogen cyanide, but was prevented.

Doctors must now notify authorities of drivers with disabilities

Beginning on New Year’s Day, doctors who find that their patients are drivers and contract an ailment that limits their ability to drive must immediately notify the relevant authorities. The Ministry of Transportation says that such drivers will either have their licences revoked immediately or will be asked to retake their examinations. Officials hope the move will decrease the number of epileptics or people with serious heart conditions behind the wheel.

Six children born in first minute of new year

Six babies were born in the first minute of the new year at hospitals in Mladá Boleslav, Ústí nad Labem, Brno, Tábor, Ostrov na Karlovarsku and Rokycany. However, the number may be incorrect as some hospitals alter information in order to announce the first births. Many cities and regions give gifts to their first citizens of the year, such as gold coins, plush dolls or a spa visit. Prague awards all children born on January 1, so as to avoid competition for reporting the first birth.

Parachutist injured at Strahov Stadium

A parachutist was seriously injured on Saturday when landing at the Strahov Stadium in Prague. Rescue services say the man suffered injuries to his limbs and head when he landed in the seats rather than on the field of the stadium. He was reportedly conscious when taken to hospital.

Weather

Conditions over the coming days are expected to be overcast with rain in North and Central Bohemia. Daytime highs should be between 3 and 10° Celsius.