News of Radio Prague

Czech Trade Unions elect new leader, hope in good future

The Czech Confederation of Trade Unions held its general congress this weekend to elect a new leader and set new policy goals. The current deputy leader, Milan Stech, 48, was elected the new chairman to replace out-going Richard Falbr, known to the public as "father of the workers". The Czech Confederation of Trade Unions is the largest trade union organisation in the country, comprising 31 unions which represent 900,000 employees. Mr. Stech said after being elected that the Confederation of Trade Unions was well-organised, though he said it was necessary to restructure the body to become more effective and cost-efficient. Leading representatives of the labour movement called for mergers of small organisations into larger unions which would have a stronger position in negotiations with both employers and the government.

Actor Vlastimil Brodsky dies at 81

One of the most popular contemporary Czech actors, Vlastimil Brodsky, died on Saturday at the age of 81 at his house in the country. Brodsky's family declined to specify the cause of death and the police have refused to comment on speculation that Brodsky committed suicide. Brodsky was popular both as a film and theatre actor. He appeared in numerous successful films, including the Oscar-winning "Closely Watched Trains" from 1968. In 2001, Vlastimil Brodsky received the prestigious Czech Lion film award for the best lead male and four years ago, he was awarded a prize for his life's work at the International Film Festival Eurofilm.

Anarchists protest against growing neo-nacism

Several dozen anarchists from different parts of the country staged a demonstration in the centre of the Western spa town of Karlovy Vary on Saturday. They protested against the growing threat of racism and neo-nazism in the Czech Republic. In leaflets, the anarchists informed the public about repeated violent attacks of militant neo-nazi skinheads against people of different skin colour and opinion. The police which assisted the demonstration had to take action against a group of skinheads who wanted to attack the peaceful gathering.

Czech weather report

We are expecting a cloudy to partially cloudy day with occasional rain showers, the highest daytime temperatures should range from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius. The beginning of next week should also be mostly cloudy with rain, with afternoon highs ranging from 12 to 16 degrees Celsius.