• 10/07/2024

    The transition period during which both the new and existing construction permitting systems can be used will last at least 12 months, with no return to paper forms. Electronic applications will remain mandatory. This was announced by Petr Kulhánek, the candidate for Minister for Regional Development (Mayors and Independents). Minister of Transport Martin Kupka (Civic Democratic Party) stated that the government will decide on October 16 whether to continue developing the current digital permitting system or start over, potentially with a new supplier. Kupka was tasked with overseeing the digitalization of construction permits after the dismissal of Ivan Bartoš, whose handling of the project was criticized. The cabinet reshuffle caused by the controversial construction permit system led the Pirate Party to leave the government coalition.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/07/2024

    The September floods caused CZK 3.2 billion in damages to the state-owned forestry company Lesy ČR, primarily affecting watercourses, roads, and forest stands. The hardest-hit areas were in the Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions. The restoration of damaged forest infrastructure will take at least two years, with funding coming from the company’s own resources. This year, Lesy ČR will invest CZK 130 million in urgent repairs of watercourses and forest roads. CEO Dalibor Šafařík stated that the most significant damage, totaling CZK 2.9 billion, occurred in watercourses under their management.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/07/2024

    Industrial production in the Czech Republic rose by 1.5% year-on-year in August, marking growth after five months of decline, according to the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ). This follows a 1.9% decrease in July. The rise was influenced by the timing of company holidays in the automotive sector. Additionally, new orders increased by more than 10% year-on-year. Industrial production also saw a 1.8% month-on-month increase from July. Growth was primarily driven by the automotive sector, which recorded a 14.4% rise, along with gains in electronics and beverage production.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/07/2024

    Czechia faces a shortage of mental health centers and specialized personnel, with sustainable funding for social care in these centers still lacking, according to an audit by the Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ). The audit focused on European funding for establishing and operating these centers. By the end of 2022, only a third of the planned 100 centers were in operation. Both the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs acknowledge progress since the audit period, but the Audit Office warns that the current challenges could hinder further development.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/07/2024

    The Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra (SOČR) will conclude its three-part Tristan and Isolde project on Monday, with the final act of Richard Wagner’s opera performed under the baton of conductor Petr Popelka. The proceeds from the concert in Prague's Rudolfinum will be donated to the Help with Us fund, supporting senior homes affected by recent floods through the Czech Radio Endowment Fund.  The concert marks the culmination of a three-season-long project, with each season dedicated to one act of Wagner's opera. The final act, set in Brittany's Kareol castle, sees the tragic end of the love story as Tristan dies in Isolde's arms. Norwegian soprano Elisabeth Teige will perform as Isolde, alongside Swedish tenor Michael Weinius as Tristan.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/07/2024

    Judiciary sector employees are on a three day strike from October 7th to the 9th in protest against low wages. Trade Union representatives said the planned salary hikes for next year are insufficient and many employees in the judiciary will remain CZK 5,000 to 6,000 below the average wage in public administration. They argue that fundamental underfunding, inadequate staff capacity and work overload are leading to a loss of ability to ensure timely and high-quality performance. The unions are moreover insisting on a change in financing so that employees in the judiciary would be set apart from the rest of the civil service. Last-minute attempts by the justice minister to avert the strike action failed.

  • 10/07/2024

    On Monday, President Petr Pavel meets the Mayors and Independents Party candidates for the positions of Minister of Industry and Trade, Lukáš Vlček, and Minister for Regional Development, Petr Kulhánek. Both are expected to be appointed to the cabinet on Tuesday. Vlček will replace Jozef Síkela, who is leaving for the European Commission, while Kulhánek will succeed Ivan Bartoš, who was dismissed earlier this month. Vlček plans to focus on energy policy, including the completion of contracts for new nuclear blocks at Dukovany. Kulhánek will prioritize the improvement of digitalized construction procedures and the recovery of flood-affected regions.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 10/06/2024

    Coco Gauff dashed Karolina Muchova’s hopes of winning the title at the China Open on Sunday beating the Czech in straight sets 1:6, 3:6 in one hour and 16 minutes in Beijing. A semifinalist in the last two editions of the US Open, Muchova had hoped to win her second career WTA title this year after her first and only victory five years ago in South Korea. She lost both final matches this season. In July, was beaten by China's Zheng Qinwen in a decider in Palermo.

  • 10/06/2024

    Monday should be partly cloudy to overcast and mostly dry with daytime highs between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius.

  • 10/06/2024

    Nine Czechs and three of their Lebanese family members were evacuated from Lebanon late on Saturday on a Slovak repatriation flight to Bratislava. Their safe return was confirmed by Czech Foreign Ministry spokesman Daniel Drake, who said the ministry is not aware of any other Czechs interested in repatriation from Lebanon at the moment. The authorities remain in contact with all Czechs registered in Lebanon through the Drozd travel data base, as well as long-term Czech residents in the country. There are currently under 200 Czechs in Lebanon.

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