News

Rainfall over the past week has partially replenished moisture in the upper 40 centimetres of soil across almost the entire Czech Republic, however, deeper soil layers down to one metre remain dry, according to the InterSucho project conducted by researchers at the CzechGlobe Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

Moreover, the preceding drought, combined with extreme heat, was so severe that some of the damage is already irreversible, the report says. This applies to agricultural crops, forests and urban greenery alike.

At the same time, groundwater and surface water reserves continue to decline. Many river monitoring stations remain at drought levels, while both shallow and deep groundwater wells are also reporting exceptionally below-normal conditions.

Trade unions at Prague Airport have declared a strike alert over the appointment of Radomír Lašák as chairman of the board of Prague Airport. In a statement, the unions said they were concerned about the airport's future direction and development, as well as job security and the protection of employees' legitimate interests.

The unions also cited recent comments by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) as a reason for the strike alert. During a parliamentary question session earlier this month, Babiš said the state could consider listing part of Prague Airport's shares on the stock exchange.

In response, the Finance Ministry said its goal was to further develop Prague Airport, not weaken the state-owned company.

The strike alert has not affected the airport's operations.

The government's decision to ask the Constitutional Court to reject or dismiss President Petr Pavel's competence complaint has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.

Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc said on Monday the cabinet would also seek the recusal of judge-rapporteur Pavel Šámal, arguing that his preliminary ruling amounted to unprecedented judicial activism and interfered with the government's constitutional powers.

MEP Danuše Nerudová accused the government of undermining the country's highest court, comparing its actions to the practices of the communist-era secret police. Former justice minister Jiří Pospíšil called the bid to remove Šámal from the case scandalous.

A Constitutional Court spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the court had received the government's response. The full bench is due to rule in September on the government's objection alleging bias against Šámal.

The Czech government has approved a ban on mobile telephones in schools. Minister of Education Robert Plaga told reporters on Monday that the cabinet had unanimously backed the move, which was proposed by him and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.

If approved by the lower house, the relevant legislation would take effect in September 2027. The bill envisages a ban on mobile phone usage by preschool and elementary school pupils and by lower grades in secondary schools. It would cover not just class and break time but also time spent in school dining facilities and voluntary activities on school premises.