News

Civic Democrats call on Social Democrats to outline conditions for tolerance of coalition government

The right-of-centre Civic Democratic Party, which won the general election in June and recently signed a coalition agreement with two smaller parties, has called on the rival Social Democrats to outline conditions under which they would be willing to tolerate the emerging centre-right government. More than a month since voters went to the polls, the emerging coalition has been trying - but so far been unable - to break the political deadlock in Parliament. The coalition is one mandate short of a majority required to pass in a confidence vote. On Friday, the coalition - which includes the Greens and the Christian Democrats - again attempted to elect a candidate for speaker of the lower house, but was not successful. Rivals, the Social Democrats, have since repeated calls for a caretaker government to be formed instead of the proposed coalition - a position criticised by the Civic Democrats.

Body of drowned foreigner found

The body of a drowned man estimated to be in his early twenties was found on Saturday on a river near Stribrna Skalice, a small town in Central Bohemia. The man is believed to be a foreigner. This week saw an unusual number of drowning accidents in the Czech Republic: on the state holidays on July 5th and 6th seven people, including a four-year old boy, lost their lives, either drowning in swimming pools or at recreational reservoirs. On Saturday, an older man in southern Bohemia became the latest drowning fatality - he may have also suffered a heart attack.

Documentary wins viewer prize

A documentary by Slovak film director Marek Skopa has won the Viewers' Prize at the 41st Karlovy Vary international film festival, proof say, producers, that Czech audiences have strong ties to documentary films, as well as fiction features. Titled "Other Worlds" the documentary received 47,000 votes. The prize is organised and awarded by the Czech daily newspaper "Pravo".

Doktor 4th on one kilometre in canoeing at European Championships

Czech canoeist and two-time Olympic champion Martin Doktor has come in 4th in the one-kilometre race at the European Championships, being held in Racice in the Czech Republic. The C1 category was won by Romanian racer Florin Mironcic. German competitor Andreas Ditmer was 2nd, while Russian Maxim Opalev, was 3rd.

Baros may be Hamburg-bound

The British media have been reporting that English football club Aston Villa have been readying the ground for the departure of Czech striker Milan Baros - in favour of trying to retain the services of Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Baros joined Villa last year, but is reportedly not against joining Hamburg, who have made an offer of 8 million pounds for the transfer. Negotiations between the English and German sides are reportedly to continue in the coming week.

Strong storms hit parts of Czech Republic

Strong storms - including heavy rain and hail - hit parts of the Czech Republic - Pardubice in Central Bohemia, as well as the Moravian region of Olomouc on Friday and Saturday. Friday evening fire fighters dealt with fallen trees and localised flooding in southern Bohemia - specifically the area around Cesky Krumlov.

Weather

More poor weather in places - the chance of thunder showers - is expected into the weekend, with a chance of improving conditions, including sunshine, on Sunday. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach highs of up to 31 degrees Celsius.