News

Polish investigators ask to question 15 in Czech Republic over oil group purchase

Polish prosecutors investigating the purchase of the Czech Unipetrol oil group by Poland's PKN Orlen have asked for permission to question 15 people in the Czech Republic, a spokesperson for the Krakow state attorney's office said on Friday. Unofficial sources suggest the 15 include the Czech minister of finance, Bohuslav Sobotka, and former prime minister Stanislav Gross. The new management of PKN Orlen says it has uncovered evidence of secret payoffs to Czech politicians.

Czech footballers face Norway in play-offs for spot at World Cup finals

The Czech football team will play Norway for a place in next year's World Cup finals in Germany. The first of two play-off games takes place in Oslo on November 12th, with the second in Prague or Teplice four days later. Czech coach Karel Bruckner said after Friday's draw that he was not familiar with the Norwegian team, but said the fact the second leg was at home would be an advantage for his players. The Czechs last reached the World Cup in 1990.

Lower house passes bill tightening rules on seasonal sales

The lower house has voted to tighten regulations on seasonal sales in shops. Under the new legislation there would be set dates for the beginning and end of sales in chain stores. Furthermore, if goods are advertised at specially reduced prices retailers would have to either have sufficient numbers of the goods in stock, or announce how many they have.

Poll: Almost half of Czechs would pay extra in cash for medical treatment

Forty-four percent of Czechs would be willing to pay extra in cash at doctors surgeries, according to a poll by the Median agency quoted in Friday's Mlada fronta Dnes. The governing Social Democrats are opposed to cash payments for medical treatment. However, doctors' leader David Rath - one of three candidates for the job of health minister - says he is in favour.

CSA flight to Montreal turns back twice after computer fault

A Czech Airlines plane flying to Montreal twice had to return to Prague airport on Thursday night because of problems with its computer system. However, a spokesperson for CSA said there had been no danger to the plane's passengers.

Part of next James Bond film to be shot in Prague

Part of the next James Bond film Casino Royale is to be shot in Prague, the Czech BBC reported. Shooting is due to get underway in January. The James Bond franchise was the centre of world media attention on Friday when actor Daniel Craig was named as the new Bond.

Weather

There should be sunny spells over the next few days, though temperatures are expected to drop to 11 or 12 degrees Celsius.