• Government wants to broaden powers of ombudsman to oversee anti-discrimination law
    05/03/2007

    The government would like the ombudsman's office to oversee the implementation of a law against discrimination due to be introduced next year. The Czech Republic is required to adopt such legislation as part of its accession to the European Union. If the government plan is approved by both houses of parliament, it would represent a considerable broadening of the powers and remit of the ombudsman's office, which currently only investigates complaints made by individual citizens. Government representatives said they had considered setting up a new anti-discrimination watchdog, before deciding it was a better idea to increase the powers of the ombudsman.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • Czech economy far more demanding in terms of energy consumption than EU average
    05/03/2007

    The Czech economy is four times more demanding in terms of energy consumption than the European Union average. According to a new European Commission report, the Czech Republic was the fifth worst country in this respect in 2004. The Czech economy required 852 kilogrammes of oil to produce gross domestic product of 1,000 euros; the average in the EU as a whole was 200 kilogrammes.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • President Klaus against Kaplicky National Library building on Letna
    05/03/2007

    President Vaclav Klaus is opposed to the construction of a controversial National Library building on Prague's Letna Plain. The green blob-like building has been designed by London-based Czech architect Jan Kaplicky. Speaking on a visit to Prague 9, Mr Klaus went so far as to say he would fight to prevent the construction of the building with his own body, in a similar fashion to Austrian opponents of the Czech Temelin nuclear power station.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • More use of internet should help reduce number of judges, says minister
    05/03/2007

    The government hopes that making more use of the internet will help speed up court processes and reduce the number of judges in the Czech Republic. After a cabinet meeting, Justice Minister Jiri Pospisil told reporters that increased use of electronic communication could cut the number of judges from around 3,000 to 2,500 within five years. Government plans include allowing people to file documents across the internet, as well as an online insolvency register. Minister Pospisil said the "traditional" justice system would continue to work alongside the new technology.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • Government to accept settlement from Setuza
    05/03/2007

    The government is to accept a settlement of 1.1 billion CZK (53m USD) from the company Setuza. Distraint was declared at Setuza in November, with the chemicals and foods company owing the state 4 billion CZK. Agriculture Minister Petr Gandalovic recommended the acceptance of the settlement proposed by its new owners, and the government approved the move on Wednesday. The minister had rejected a lower offer in January.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • Funeral of inter-war film star Svatopluk Benes held in Prague
    05/03/2007

    The funeral has taken place in Prague of the popular actor Svatopluk Benes, who died at the weekend at the age of 89. The main hall at Olsanse cemetery was packed out for Thursday's funeral service, which was attended by several of his friends from the worlds of film and theatre. Svatopluk Benes, famous for his good looks and chivalrous personality, was one of the leading Czechoslovak film stars of the inter-war period.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • Police officers charged with taking money from pickpockets over six-year period
    05/03/2007

    Two Prague police officers are facing charges of abuse of authority for allegedly regularly receiving money from Romanian pickpockets operating in the city centre, Pravo reported. The daily said the two were given up to 1,500 CZK (70 USD) a week by a pick pocketing gang over a six-year period. Both officers have been dismissed from the force ahead of their court hearings.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • Annual Book World trade fair begins in Prague
    05/03/2007

    The annual Svet knihy (Book World) trade fair has got underway at Prague's Vystaviste. The four-day event features 230 stands and guests from 34 countries around the world. The focus this year is on German literature.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • Third of Prague Spring concerts sold out
    05/03/2007

    A third of the 50 or so concerts in this year's Prague Spring music festival have sold out, organisers said. In all 70 percent of the tickets for this year's festival have been sold. Prague Spring begins on May 12 with the traditional Ma Vlast by Bedrich Smetana, performed by the Czech Philharmonic and conducted by Zdenek Macal. It runs until June 3.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

  • Czech rock band Kabat leave for Eurovision
    05/03/2007

    The rock group Kabat have left Prague for the Finnish capital Helsinki, where they will represent the Czech Republic in the annual Eurovision song contest. It is the first time the country is taking part in the international competition. Kabat bass player Milan Spalek said the fact his band play hard rock could work against them in the Eurovision. The Czech group will appear in the semi-final on May 10 and will be hoping to reach the final two days later.
    Author: Ian Willoughby

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