News

The house martin has been named ‘Bird of the Year’ by the Czech Ornithological Society (ČSO). The choice aims to draw public attention to the loss of suitable habitats for birds due to projects that limit nesting sites.

House martins are found throughout most of Europe, especially in built-up areas near open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows and farmland. They usually spend the winter in Africa.

According to scientists, intensive agricultural practices and the use of insecticides most impact their habitats.

Work started on Monday aimed at erecting a replica of the Marian column removed from Prague’s Old Town Square over a century ago, the ctk news agency reported.

The sculptor who designed the new column, Petr Váňa, said archaeologists would first work on the site to unearth the original founding stone from 1650 under which he hoped to find a founding charter. The installation of the replica should be concluded by September.

The original 17th century Marian column was regarded by some as a symbol of Austrian rule and was torn down by protestors in 1918, shortly after Czechoslovakia was founded. There has been heated debate over whether to replace it.

President Miloš Zeman is trusted by 51 percent of Czechs, but a January poll conducted by CVVM indicates that many Czechs are increasingly critical of his behaviour.

While 59 percent of respondents said they appreciated the president’s contact with the public and his awareness of people’s problems, only 41 percent said the president conducted himself with the dignity that the post requires.

56 percent of respondents said he debased the Office of the President with his behaviour. 44 percent of respondents said they are happy with the way he represents the Czech Republic abroad, 51 percent were not.

The government has voted to raise poverty benefits referred to as the living minimum and the existential minimum as of April 2020. The living minimum is to be raised to 3,860 crowns per month from 3,410 while the existential minimum will be raised to 2,490 crowns from 2,200 crowns per month.

The Social Democratic Party proposed the increase in view of the fact both minimums have been at the same level for eight years while inflation has increased by 13 percent during that time.

“We need to respond to growing living expenses. It is one of the last debts this government is paying, ” Deputy Prime Minister Jan Hamáček told journalists after the government session.