• Havel discusses 2008 presidential elections
    07/01/2007

    Former president Vaclav Havel, speaking on a TV debate programme on Sunday, has suggested parties should get their act together if they wish to field a strong candidate in next year's presidential elections. Anyone vying for the post of president will face current Czech head-of-state Vaclav Klaus, who, polls have repeatedly suggested, remains one of the country's most popular political figures. Mr Klaus announced his intention to seek re-election back in February. Mr Havel suggested on Sunday that a younger candidate than someone of his and Milos Zeman's generation should be fielded, adding it would be "excellent" if a woman ran. He said he thought that the Social Democrats, the Christian Democrats, and the Greens should agree on a joint candidate.
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • First "summer holiday" weekend sees five die on Czech roads
    07/01/2007

    The first weekend since the beginning of the summer holidays brought grim numbers: five deaths on Czech roads. During the same period last year, two people lost their lives; in 2005, twelve. Last year's drop in road-related deaths on the first holiday weekend was attributed to the introduction of a new drivers' point system - part of tougher road legislation. One of the fatalities this weekend was not a passenger but a pedestrian hit by a driver.
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • Month of June worst on Czech roads since November 2005
    07/01/2007

    In related news, statistics have revealed that 106 people died on Czech roads in the month of June, the highest number of road accident deaths since November 2005. Traditionally June ranks as one of the most dangerous months on Czech roads. This year the month saw a total of 15,238 car accidents. Along with the 106 fatalities, 416 people were seriously injured, while 2,334 escaped with light injuries.
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • Around 800 film professionals accredited for Karlovy Vary
    07/01/2007

    Roughly 800 film professionals have so far been accredited for the 42. Karlovy Vary International Film Festival which got underway in the Czech spa town on Friday. Visitors include everyone from script editors to directors and producers. The information was released by Andrea Szczukova on Sunday - speaking for Film Industry - in charge of setting up contacts and other details during professionals' stay. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is the most prestigious film event in the Czech calendar. Special guests this year include Hollywood actress Renee Zellweger; legendary actor/producer Danny DeVito is also slated to attend. The festival lasts until July 7th.
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • No agreement between Hasek and Red Wings yet
    07/01/2007

    Star ice hockey goaltender Dominik Hasek has not yet reached agreement with the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL, but the team's general manager, Ken Holland, has expressed tentative optimism. Earlier reports suggested that if he signed on for another season, Hasek stood to earn 2.5 million US dollars, plus a million dollar bonus if the Red Wings advanced to the playoffs. That would mean a marked rise in the goalie's salary from last year, which stood at 1.65 million. The Red Wings confirmed on Saturday that the proposal currently under negotiation saw Hasek earning more than last year, although no figures were disclosed. Mr Holland said he thought the two sides would reach "a fair compromise".
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • Clean-up operation at Norin farm complete
    06/30/2007

    Authorities have completed a clean-up operation at a poultry farm in Norin, east Bohemia, where tests earlier in the week confirmed the presence of H5N1 bird flu. Around 28,000 chickens were culled to prevent further spread of the disease, potentially deadly to humans. The carcasses of the dead birds were destroyed in special containers and the farm was then disinfected. So far, tests within 7 kilometres of the farm have revealed no additional bird flu cases. But veterinarians will monitor areas in a radius of up to 10 kilometres in case there are additional outbreaks of H5N1 there over the next thirty days.
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • Tire blaze finally under control
    06/30/2007

    Fire fighters, and members of the Czech army, have now gotten a fire - which broke out earlier this week in the area of Uhersky Brod - fully under control. The blaze, reportedly the worst southern Moravia has seen in ten years, broke out at a tire warehouse on Thursday, leading to black clouds of smoke in the area. Strong winds have pushed smoke and fumes through Uhersky Brod as well as several nearby villages. Authorities said that fumes were present in the area on Saturday, warning residents - especially children and the elderly - to remain indoors and to keep windows closed. Experts in a mobile laboratory are monitoring air quality in Uhersky Brod for the presence of harmful toxins: but acceptable limits so far have not been exceeded.
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • Karlovy Vary film festival underway
    06/30/2007

    The 42nd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has gotten underway in the famous spa town of Karlovy Vary in western Bohemia. The opening ceremonies were held at the grand hall of the Hotel Thermal on Friday. The venue was packed with high-profile attendees including the Czech President and his wife. Among those kicking off the festival was Hollywood actress Renee Zellweger, known for her roles in Chicago, Bridget Jones' Diary, Cold Mountain and Love and a .45.
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • Famous animator Pojar receives first Crystal Globe
    06/30/2007

    In related news, Ms Zellweger also gave out the first prize of the festival, a Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution for legendary Czech animator Bretislav Pojar. Mr Pojar, who is 83, directed more than 70 animated films during his career. He also collaborated on other projects such as Jean-Jacques Annaud's The Bear, creating several animated scenes. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival continues on Saturday, offering more than fifty screenings.
    Author: Jan Velinger

  • Dnes: Civic Democrats proposals include taxing president's income
    06/30/2007

    Czech newspaper Mlada Fronta Dnes has written that changes proposed by the Civic Democratic Party within planned government fiscal reforms, including taxing the Czech president's salary. Compared with incomes of other politicians, the salary of the head of state is not subject to taxes, the daily points it. One of the architects of the Civic Democrats' latest proposals, former finance minister Vlastimil Tlusty, told the daily "all incomes should be subject to the same tax system", adding there was "no reason" for any exceptions. The president's salary, Mlada Fronta Dnes reports, is 204,700 crowns a month (the equivalent of around 9,000 US dollars), plus a monthly special bonus of 190,500 crowns.
    Author: Jan Velinger

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