• 10/14/2024

    Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský denied claims that Czechia delayed the issuance of a joint EU statement regarding attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL). According to a report by DPA, consensus on the text was delayed due to Czech concerns, given its close ties with Israel. However, Lipavský argued the draft was poorly prepared. The EU statement, released Sunday evening, condemned the attacks on UNIFIL and expressed concern over Israeli military actions that injured peacekeepers, calling them violations of international law.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    Weather in Czechia will be cloudy to partly cloudy. High temperatures between 10 to 14°C.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    The city of Prague has banned pub crawls, the organized nighttime bar-hopping tours run by specialized agencies. The new regulation, approved by city councilors on Monday, will take effect immediately upon publication. The ban, primarily requested by the local town hall in the center of Prague, aims to address noise disturbances caused by intoxicated tourists. The decision was made after consultations with various stakeholders, including tourism officials and professional guides, who will still be allowed to operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The regulation cites the negative impact of pub crawls on public order, increased noise, and the strain on city services.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    Police have initiated criminal proceedings against 13 individuals for suspected bribery involving public contracts at the Prague public transport company (DPP), prosecutor Adam Borgula from the Prague High Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed. This follows a police operation at the DPP on Monday by the National Centre against Organised Crime (NCOZ). DPP is cooperating fully with investigators, though it has not yet been informed of the reasons for the intervention, according to spokesperson Aneta Řehková. Reports suggest the investigation may focus on a contract for metro security awarded around 15 years ago. The case follows a series of DPP-related probes, including the high-profile Dosimeter case, which saw several officials charged with bribery and corruption.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    Russian aggression against Ukraine has spurred increased human rights violations in other countries and inspired those who disregard international norms, President Petr Pavel said on Monday at the Forum 2000 conference in Prague. He emphasized that major global powers, particularly China, should use their influence to promote peace and international cooperation. Pavel noted that countries like North Korea, Iran, Niger, and Venezuela have aligned with Russia, inspired by its aggressive actions. He called on the international community to stop the decline of global standards. The conference will continue through Tuesday.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    Over 150 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity were exchanged through energy sharing in the Czech Republic in September, the first month after the system’s launch. Economic Daily informs that more than 4000 producers and 3500 consumers took part in the program, facilitated by the Electroenergetic Data Center (EDC). Interest in energy sharing continues to grow, with EDC receiving almost 10,500 applications by the end of September. Energy sharing, mainly from rooftop solar panels, is expected to increase further in the coming months, with a significant rise anticipated.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    Minister of Labor Marian Jurečka (Christian Democrats) will propose a 6.9% salary increase for politicians next year. He also plans to discuss aligning the salary growth of judges and state prosecutors with other public officials. The government is set to reconsider salary adjustments on Wednesday. Initially, a nearly 14% increase was proposed, sparking criticism from opposition and unions. Speaking on CNN Prima political show, Jurečka also suggested adding a provision to the legislation to adjust the pension for former presidents. Additionally, the draft includes provisions for the first lady's budget.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    Renowned children's film director, screenwriter, and author Věra Plívová-Šimková has passed away at the age of 90, as reported by Seznam Zprávy. Known for very popular films that featured children actors and life of young people, she directed nearly 20 movies throughout her career. In 2019, she received a Czech Lion award for her outstanding contribution to Czech cinema, and in 1999, she was honored for her lifetime achievement at the Zlín Film Festival for Children and Youth. Born in Lomnice nad Popelkou, Plívová-Šimková discovered numerous child stars and inspired generations of viewers with her films popular in Czechoslovakia especially before 1989.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    Employees at Prague's public prosecutor's offices continue their strike for higher wages today, marking the second day of protests. While the strike does not significantly affect public services, offices have closed reception desks and limited mail handling and filing of new cases. The strike, which began last week, will last until Tuesday. Prosecutors are urging the public to use remote communication methods like data mailboxes or e-filing. After the strike, delays in processing cases are expected, according to prosecutor spokesman Aleš Cimbala.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/14/2024

    President Petr Pavel will deliver an opening address on Monday at the 28th Forum 2000 conference in Prague and join a panel discussion on global democratic partnerships. The conference, themed "Proving the Resolve and Resilience of Democracy," will run until Tuesday. Notable participants include Russian regime critic Vladimir Kara-Murza and Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Other speakers include Czech politicians Jan Lipavský and Markéta Pekarová Adamová, as well as former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Forum 2000 was founded in 1997 by Václav Havel.

    Author: Vít Pohanka

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