• 11/09/2024

    Dozens of Roma gathered in Eastern Bohemian town of Náchod, expressing concern for their safety following an assault on a young Roma man. Organized by Roma Association Náchod, the protest was attended by family members, including the victim’s grandmother, who voiced fears for the safety of Roma children.

    The incident, involving a verbal altercation that escalated into violence, occurred on November 3, leaving the 20-year-old man with minor injuries. Police are investigating the case as possible disorderly conduct and assault, with efforts ongoing to identify all parties involved. Officers monitored the peaceful demonstration to ensure safety.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 11/09/2024

    President Petr Pavel told Czech TV he would sign the pension reform bill if it passes the Senate. Approved by the Chamber of Deputies, the controversial reform gradually raises the retirement age to 67. While the coalition argues the reform will secure funds for future pensions and reduce deficits, opposition parties ANO and SPD vow to repeal many changes if they gain power. The bill includes a phased reduction in the earnings factor for calculating pensions between 2026 and 2035, and allows earlier retirement only for select high-risk workers. Senate review is the next step, with the coalition holding a majority.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 11/09/2024

    Former Prague mayor and current deputy mayor Zdeněk Hřib has been elected as the new leader of the Czech Pirate Party, defeating ex-senator Lukáš Wagenknecht. Hřib aims to reform the party to strengthen its position in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He envisions the Pirates as a strong, centrist-liberal force in the Chamber of Deputies, where they currently hold four seats. Hřib succeeds Ivan Bartoš, who led the party for nearly 15 years but resigned after recent electoral setbacks. In a symbolic gesture, Bartoš wished Hřib success and handed him the party’s “helm” at the leadership transition.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 11/09/2024

    A group of around 60 activists occupied a dairy barn in Česká Jablonná, near Přibyslav, on Havlíčkův Brod district, today to protest what they consider inhumane conditions for the animals. They split into two groups, with one inside the barn documenting conditions and the other displaying banners outside.

    The protest follows disturbing footage released by the group Zvířata nejíme, showing abuse of animals on Czech farms. Activists, who plan to stay on-site for several hours, hope to raise awareness of the treatment of dairy cows. Local residents and farm representatives have responded critically to the protest.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 11/09/2024

    Europe needs to increase and improve defense spending to protect its values and security, Czech President Petr Pavel stated at the Prague Defence Summit. He argued that the current target of 2% of GDP is insufficient. Pavel emphasized the importance of readiness for military, cyber, and disinformation threats, calling for stronger NATO coordination and technological cooperation. The war in Ukraine, he said, underscores the urgent need for a reinforced NATO eastern flank and highlights the importance of a strong transatlantic alliance to counter authoritarian threats.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 11/08/2024

    The Czech Chamber of Deputies on Friday approved a controversial pension reform, which, according to the government, will contribute to the sustainability and the reduction of the pension system's deficit.

    The reform envisages a gradual increase in retirement age and adjustments to new pension calculations aimed at stabilizing the pension system’s finances.

    The amendment passed with 103 votes out of 188 MPs present, supported by lawmakers from the ruling coalition, and one independent MP. The Pirate Party members left the chamber in protest over the restrictions on early retirement for workers in demanding professions.

    The opposition parties ANO and Freedom and Direct Democracy representatives have pledged to abolish the pension changes if they return to power. The debate over the reform lasted a total of approximately 15.5 hours.

    Author: Ruth Fraňková
  • 11/08/2024

    Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with day temperatures ranging between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius.

    Author: Ruth Fraňková
  • 11/08/2024

    The three-day Prague Defence Summit, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), gets underway in Prague on Friday. The conference will focus on defence capacity development in Europe and strengthening cooperation between governments and the defence industry.

    President Petr Pavel will deliver the opening speech this evening at the National Museum. The summit will start with a presentation by IISS representatives at the Prague Marriott Hotel, unveiling a new report on defence building in Europe, followed by debates and discussions throughout the day.

    Among the speakers are the Defence Ministers of Estonia and Lithuania, as well as NATO Military Committee Chairman General Rob Bauer. Plenary sessions will continue on Saturday and Sunday.

    Author: Ruth Fraňková
  • 11/08/2024

    Coal production in Czechia continues to decline, with output having fallen by 20% by the end of August compared to the same period in 2023. A total of 15.3 million tonnes of lignite and hard coal were mined, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Production has traditionally been driven mainly by lignite mining, which accounted for 95% of the mineral extracted.

    The ČSM mine in the Karviná region, the last active coal mine in the country, continues to operate despite an initial closure plan for mid-2023. State-owned OKD now plans to extend operations until about mid-2026.

    Author: Ruth Fraňková
  • 11/08/2024

    Viktoria Plzeň secured a 2-1 victory over Spain’s Real Sociedad in a Europa League match on Thursday evening with a last-minute goal, earning their first win after three consecutive draws. The West Bohemian club moved up four spots to 16th in the standings.

    Meanwhile, Slavia Prague faced another setback, losing 1-0 to Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, mirroring their defeat two weeks ago in Bilbao. The loss dropped the Czech-league leaders to 23rd place in the Europa table.

    Author: Ruth Fraňková

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