News

Despite recent storms in some parts of the country, scientists are warning of dangerously low groundwater levels across the country. River levels are falling and wells are drying up, according to the Czech Hydrological Institute. New figures presented by the institute suggest that water levels are at anywhere between 60 to 20 percent of normal levels, with smaller streams faring worst. River systems, such as the Berounka, Litavka and Sázava are believed to be in the worst condition with significantly reduced water flows. In some places, once deep rivers can now be crossed on foot, warns the Institute. Changing weather patterns are believed to be the cause of the problem, with short bursts of rain insufficient to replenish water levels. Mild winters are also believed to have played a role. According to scientists, the country would need a prolonged period of around 3cm per day precipitation in order for water levels to begin to recover.

New figures from the Czech Transport Ministry suggest that since the new points system was introduced for drivers in 2006 10,754 people have lost their licenses. Prior to the points system, drivers were able to pay fines for traffic violations, leading to criticism that drivers, particularly wealthy ones could essentially escape responsibility for reckless driving. The Czech government changed the rules in order to battle high numbers of traffic accidents in the country. The new figures also detail that 575, 731 drivers were given penalty points – there are currently an estimated 6.3 million driving license holders in the country according to the Transport Ministry. These numbers indicate that around 15 percent of drivers do not have so-called “clean licences” a number three percent lower than in Germany. Further evidence that the points system appears to be working is that fatalities on Czech roads have fallen by around ten percent from the previous year.

A spokesperson for the Czech Bishop’s Conference has warned that the number of nuns, monks and friars in the Czech Republic is falling. The Czech Republic, which ranks as one of the most atheistic countries in Europe apparently has 1775 nuns and 785 monks and friars, whereas in 1995, the number was 2647 nuns and 959 monks and friars. The reasons that have been given are multi-fold, including the deaths of many older members and the fact that those lured by the church after the fall of communism have not been replaced with newer members in the ensuing years.

The Prague Stock Exchange has been put up for sale by a majority of its shareholders. The stated reasons for the sell-off are a trend towards consolidating or merging financial markets as well as a perceived interest in buying this commodity. Among those seeking to sell-off their shares are the companies Patria Finance, Tiger Holding, Komerční banka and ČSOB, according to Czech television. These four companies together hold a 50.01 percent stake in the stock exchange. There is mounting speculation that the stock exchange could be bought by a similar foreign institution. Last year the Prague Stock Exchange made around 200 million crowns in profits.