News
Czech government against nomination of ex-PM Tosovsky for senior IMF post
The Czech government has distanced itself from Russia's nomination of former Czech prime minister Josef Tosovsky for the post of managing director of the International Monetary Fund. The Czech Republic has already given its backing to a French candidate supported by the EU. The senior IMF post is usually filled by somebody from a large western European state.
Finance Minister in dispute with Civic Democrats over tax changes
Despite having voted for a package of reforms approved in the lower house on Tuesday, Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek has now split with the government on how these reforms should be implemented. Mr. Kalousek proposes a further taxation of employees from 2009 by increasing tax-exemptions; however, the biggest party in the coalition, the Civic Democrats, wants to reduce personal income tax from 15% next year to 12.5% in 2009. The Civic Democrats have rejected Mr Kalousek's proposal, calling it a provocation and violation of the coalition agreement.
Jelinek distillers to produce whisky in three years
The Czech distillers Rudolf Jelinek - famous for the plum-based Slivovice and other types of fruit brandy - have launched their own production of whisky, which should first appear on the market in three years' time. Jelinek distillers have been producing its own whisky, which has the English-language name Gold Cock, for some time. From now on, however, they will also produce the raw-materials by themselves.
UNESCO warns Prague against construction of skyscrapers in Pankrac district
Experts from UNESCO have expressed their concern about the planned construction of high-rise buildings on Prague's Pankrac Plain. The committee has recommended Prague to reconsider the building of new skyscrapers, which, according to some conservationists, could harm the city's horizon. The Czech Republic should submit a report on the protection of Prague's historical centre, which was included on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1992, and a plan of building activities at Pankrac district, by the end of January 2008.
Student film festival begins in Karlovy Vary
Fresh Film Fest, a festival of student films, got underway in the west Bohemian town of Karlovy Vary on Wednesday evening. Around 200 films are being screened in what is the fourth annual Fresh Film Fest. Thirty-four pictures are in competition, with judges set to select the best three.
Czechs draw with Austria in friendly
The Czech Republic's footballers drew 1:1 with Austria in a friendly game in Vienna on Wednesday night. Their only goal came from Jan Koller, who extended his Czech record goals tally to 49. In September the Czech Republic take on San Marino and Ireland in qualifying matches for next year's European Championships.
Weather
It will be quite sunny in the next few days, with occasional showers and temperatures set to reach 28 degrees Celsius.
