• 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
  • 10/13/2024

    Cloud cover will gradually increase from the west, with rain or showers expected in the southwestern half of the country by the evening. Later in the evening, rainfall will decrease in the western regions. High temperatures will range from 10 to 14°C.

  • 10/13/2024

    The 134th Grand Pardubice Steeplechase ended on Sunday in a historic "dead heat," with two winners for the first time. After extensive review of the finish line camera, race officials declared Sexy Lord and Godfrey as joint champions. Jockey Jaroslav Myška, riding Sexy Lord, secured his first-ever victory in the prestigious race on his 22nd attempt. Godfrey, the race favorite, was ridden by Jan Faltejsek, who celebrated his seventh win, just one short of the record held by Josef Váňa. Dulcar De Sivola finished third, while 2021 champion Talent, the only former winner in the field of 16, concluded his career with a fifth-place finish at the age of 13.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/13/2024

    The EU's goals for transforming the automotive industry are unattainable, according to Czech Industry and Transport Association Vice President Martin Jahn and MEP Filip Turek (Oath and Motorists). Speaking on Questions of Václav Moravec, Jahn warned that if the targets are not revised, car manufacturers will face fines or have to buy regulatory credits. Turek expressed concerns that the transformation could lead to bankruptcies in the industry. Both agreed that the current trajectory, including the 2035 ban on combustion engines, threatens jobs and factory closures across Europe.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/13/2024

    Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský denied seeking an ambassador role, calling such claims rumors. He remains in office with the backing of coalition parties following the Pirate Party’s exit from the government, a party he also left. Speaking on Questions of Václav Moravec TV political show, Lipavský said he has not yet considered running in next year’s parliamentary elections, calling it premature. He added that despite being ready to resign, coalition leaders asked him to stay on as an independent. KSČM leader Kateřina Konečná criticized his decision to remain in government.

    Author: Vít Pohanka

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