News

Outgoing Environment Minister Petr Hladík (Christian Democrats) has annulled the Environment Ministry’s binding opinion on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the planned I/35 road linking Turnov and Jičín through the Bohemian Paradise landscape protected area, HN economic daily reported. The decision sends the assessment back for renewed review following objections from environmental groups. According to the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD), it is not yet clear what the move will mean for the project, although preparations are continuing. The planned 35-kilometre road, estimated to cost around CZK 24 billion, has been debated for decades. Hladík will be replaced on Monday by Petr Macinka of the Motorists’ party.

Outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) says he regrets his cabinet cannot continue after the election, arguing it leaves office “with honour” and a record of major reforms, from pensions and defence to energy and education. In an interview with Czech News Agency, he pointed to faster-than-expected economic growth, a public-finance deficit below two percent and rising real wages. Fiala also highlighted higher defence spending and the Czech ammunition initiative for Ukraine, urging his successors not to abandon it. He warned that Russia remains the main security threat and said his party will be a firm, but non-obstructive, opposition.

MP Zdeněk Hřib will defend his position as party chairman at the nationwide Pirate Party forum in mid-January. His challenger will be David Witosz, deputy mayor of the Moravská Ostrava and Přívoz city district, Pirate Party spokesperson Kristina Jochmannová told the Czech News Agency (ČTK) on Friday. The Pirates are still finalizing the full program of the meeting.

Companies most often lack workers for manufacturing, technical specialist positions, service jobs, as well as managers and other skilled tradespeople. The shortage is appearing broadly across a wide range of sectors. This follows from a survey on missing professions conducted by the analytical team of the Chamber of Commerce among 450 companies across regions and industries.