• 10/13/2024

    The 28th annual Forum 2000 international conference begins on Sunday at the Prague Congress Centre with an opening address by Senate President Miloš Vystrčil (Civic Democratic Party). This year’s theme is “Proving Democracy’s Resolve and Resilience.” The event will run through Tuesday. Among the participants in the coming days will be President Petr Pavel, who will deliver a speech and take part in a panel discussion on global democratic partnerships. Other notable attendees include Russian regime critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and former Polish president and Solidarity leader Lech Walesa. Forum 2000 was founded in 1997 by then Czech President Václav Havel, writer Elie Wiesel, and Japanese philanthropist Yohei Sasakawa, with the aim of creating a platform for key figures to analyze the challenges of the new millennium.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/13/2024

    A key health concern in flood-affected areas ahead of the colder months is insufficiently dried homes, according to Barbora Macková, Chief Hygienist and Director of the National Institute of Public Health (SZÚ). Damp conditions can lead to mold growth, which poses health risks when inhaled. In flood-hit regions, walls need to be disinfected and dried, with damaged plaster potentially requiring removal. Although no outbreaks of infectious diseases have been recorded, preventive measures, such as vaccinations against hepatitis, have been implemented. Hygiene standards are also crucial as schools and senior homes reopen.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/13/2024

    Authorities in Central Bohemia are considering action against outgoing senator Raduan Nwelati (Civic Democratic Party) for repeatedly failing to submit his asset declaration, as required by the Conflict of Interest Act. Nwelati has been violating this law for 12 years, despite fines. According to experts asked by Czech Radio, his repeated offense may constitute a criminal act, potentially resulting in a prison sentence of up to three years. Nwelati, whose Senate term ends on Sunday  October 13, has received multiple fines in the past and has claimed he follows legal advice in his decisions.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/13/2024

    Schools in Czechia in recent years have significantly strengthened their security measures, implementing card access systems, turnstiles, and surveillance cameras. However, it is impossible to fully prevent potential attacks, said Jiří Zajíček, Chairman of the Union of School Associations - CZESHA, and director of Masaryk Secondary School of Chemistry in Prague. Experts agree that while safety has improved, total security is unattainable. The discussion comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the attack in Žďár nad Sázavou, where a mentally ill woman fatally stabbed a student and injured three others.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/13/2024

    Czechs have purchased 12 to 20 percent more airline tickets for the autumn holidays this year compared to last year. Most travelers will depart on Friday, October 25, with increased interest in destinations such as Spain and Asia. According to ticket vendors, the average price of tickets for the autumn break has risen by about 10 percent year-on-year, although prices for long-haul flights have decreased. Ticket sellers like Pelikán and Kiwi.com report that long-haul flights to destinations such as China, Vietnam, and Mauritius have seen the most significant price reductions.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/12/2024

    Weather in Czechia will be cloudy to overcast, with rain or showers in most areas. Gradually changing to variable cloud cover from the northwest, with isolated showers, particularly in the northern mountains, where they may be mixed or turn to snow above 1100 meters. Highest temperatures will range from 10 to 15°C, reaching up to 17°C in southern Moravia.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/12/2024

    The Czech Agricultural Fund has estimated damages in the sector at over half a billion crowns a month after the recent floods. So far, 468 agricultural enterprises have reported damages via the State Agricultural Intervention Fund's app, with the reporting deadline set for October 15. The most affected crops are sugar beets, corn, and potatoes, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Insurance companies have recorded over 120 claims related to the floods, with damages affecting crops, livestock, stables, and machinery. The ministry is expected to offer aid through the agricultural crisis program.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/12/2024

    Strong winds are expected to hit most of Czechia tonight and throughout Sunday, with gusts reaching up to 65 kilometers per hour, and up to 90 kilometers per hour in mountainous areas on Sunday, according to a warning issued by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). The warning excludes the Zlín region and eastern parts of South Moravia. The wind may cause damage such as falling branches or minor building damage. Residents are advised to secure doors, windows, and any loose items outdoors to prevent potential accidents or damage.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/12/2024

    Apartment prices near Prague metro stations have surged over the past ten years, with some areas seeing prices triple. According to an analysis by the company Dataligence, properties around Nádraží Holešovice station saw the biggest increase, with prices rising by 241% compared to the first half of 2014. Other stations experiencing significant growth include Zličín, Invalidovna, and Černý Most, largely due to new housing developments, which have raised average prices. Currently, prices near Staroměstská, Hlavní nádraží, and Malostranská stations exceed CZK 200,000 per square meter. This is a sharp rise from 2014, when prices in these areas were roughly half as high.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/12/2024

    A ceremony in Prague's Bethlehem Chapel marks the 600th anniversary of Jan Žižka's death, featuring the return of a sword believed to be his, on display for the first time in nearly 400 years. The event began with a religious service, followed by the unveiling of the sword from Sweden’s royal collection. The sword, part of an exhibition open until Sunday evening, has sparked debate among experts over its authenticity. The program also includes the premiere of a film imagining a meeting between Žižka and Komenský, alongside lectures from historians.

    Author: Vít Pohanka

Pages