Czech PM wants to extend state of emergency by more than 30 days

Prime Minister Petr Fiala told Czech Television on Wednesday that he wants the country to extend its state of emergency by more than 30 days. The TV station reports that it could instead be extended for a period of 90 days. The request to extend a state of emergency imposed to help deal with the wave of refugees from Ukraine is set to be discussed by the government this Wednesday. The state of emergency began on March 4 and can only be extended after an initial 30-day period by the lower house.

Ministers will also discuss other issues linked to the crisis situation, including benefits for people who take Ukrainian refugees into their homes and material aid for Ukraine itself.