Prague Mayor to take two months of unpaid leave

Prague's Mayor Pavel Bem, has come under criticism for planning to take almost two months of unpaid leave to climb Mount Everest. Mr Bem, well-known for his passion for the outdoors, has said it was his childhood dream to reach the summit of world's highest mountain. He intends to leave for the Himalayas in March and return sometime in the second half of April, depending on weather conditions. Some city councillors have opposed the plan. European Democrat Jiri Witzany says the post of Prague mayor is comparable to that of a manager at a large company, saying it would be unthinkable for such a manager to take two months off.