A kebab stall on Národní Street near Jungmannovo náměstí is set for removal in the coming weeks, along with a restaurant’s front garden in Old Town Square.

The reason? Lack of proper permits.

According to Giancarlo Lamberti (TOP 09), chairman of the financial committee of the Prague 1 council, the decision follows a broader effort to regulate public space.

In December, a front garden in Týnský dvůr was taken down, followed by an illegal stall outside the Czech National Bank this January.

The stall, located next to the Můstek metro entrance, has already ceased operations. “It did not have the necessary permits. The owner was asked to remove it but did not comply. We are now proceeding with its removal, which should be completed in a few weeks,” Lamberti said.

The Technical Administration of Roads will oversee the process, first selecting a company through a tender to dismantle the structure.

Old Town Square Restaurant to Lose Its Front Garden

The Einstein Pizzeria & Restaurant on Old Town Square will also have its outdoor seating area removed. Located at the entrance from Celetná Street, it is the first front garden on the left.

“During an inspection, we found that this front garden lacks a lease agreement and a public space permit. It has no right to be there,” Lamberti stated. The owner was ordered to address the issue but took no action.

Prague 1 has been tightening regulations on public spaces, reversing years of lax enforcement. “The situation has improved, but with summer approaching, new violations will likely emerge,” Lamberti noted.

Crackdown on Unauthorized Structures in Prague 1

Last September, Prague authorities removed several front gardens near the Astronomical Clock after a two-year legal battle with restaurant owners, who ultimately lost in court.

In December, a roofed front garden was dismantled in Týnský dvůr (Ungelt). It had been operating illegally for over a year, with the lease expiring in October 2023. Its solid, enclosed structure also failed to meet the guidelines set in the Manual for a Cultivated Prague.

“Public space has clear rules that must be respected. In the historic center, it’s especially crucial that businesses obtain all necessary permits, lease agreements, and pay the required fees,” Lamberti emphasized.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Spring is arriving in the Czech Republic, and this week’s temperatures could surpass those in Spain.

While the start of the week will still be relatively cool, meteorologists do not rule out the possibility of this year’s first 20°C day by the second half of the week, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ).

On Monday, daytime temperatures will range between 5°C and 9°C, followed by 6°C to 10°C on Monday. By Tuesday, the mercury is expected to rise to 8°C to 12°C, with a continued warming trend throughout the week, ČHMÚ forecasts.

“Daily highs will exceed 15°C in the second half of the week, and reaching 20°C is not out of the question,” meteorologists wrote on X. Next week is also expected to be mostly sunny and dry, with clear skies.

For comparison, parts of Spain will see temperatures peaking at around 14°C, accompanied by rain.

Meteorologists note that the outlook for next week is unusually stable. “It’s rare to have such a clear forecast a week in advance, but this time, it looks that way,” they stated. They added that until at least the weekend—and likely into early next week—there is little chance of a significant shift in weather patterns.

However, while warmer conditions could persist, a return to colder air masses in March and April remains a possibility.

“Cold spells are still likely in early spring,” meteorologists warned. They also cautioned that an early onset of spring could negatively impact nature, as vegetation may start growing prematurely.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

A Prague tram driver has come under fire after verbally and physically attacking a couple with a child and forced them to leave the vehicle for allegedly being Ukrainian, triggering widespread public outrage.

The incident goes beyond an isolated case of misconduct—it sheds light on deeper societal issues in Czechia, including racism, professional ethics, and social solidarity.

While public transport rules must be followed, the driver’s aggressive and humiliating approach was entirely inappropriate.

Even if he had concerns over cleanliness or other regulations, there were professional ways to handle the situation. Instead, his verbal attacks and forceful actions created an atmosphere of fear that may have lasting consequences for the victims.

A Reflection of Czech Society’s Challenges

This case is not just about an individual’s behavior; it exposes broader social tensions. Many Ukrainians have lived and worked in Czechia for years, contributing to the economy, yet some still face discrimination. Prejudice and hostility toward refugees and minorities remain present in parts of Czech society, and incidents like this highlight the urgent need for change.

A Lack of Empathy and Public Reaction

Another disturbing aspect of the incident is that none of the passengers intervened. The footage shows the family being removed without resistance from bystanders, raising questions about the lack of solidarity and willingness to stand against injustice. The silence of others in such situations enables further discrimination and mistreatment.

The Role of Prague’s Transport Company

The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) must take responsibility for ensuring that its employees are not only trained in technical skills but also in ethical and social awareness. If such behavior is not strictly addressed, it risks worsening relations between passengers and transport workers. Authorities must implement stricter policies and training to prevent similar incidents.

The Future of Czech Society

Addressing this case requires more than just disciplinary action against the driver. It demands a broader social discussion on empathy, respect, and human rights. At some point, anyone may find themselves in a vulnerable position, needing the compassion of others. How society reacts in these moments defines its true character.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Václav Havel Airport Prague is set for a major modernization over the next decade, with an estimated cost of 32 billion CZK by 2033.

The project includes the demolition and reconstruction of parking lots, an overhaul of access roads, terminal expansions, and a long-awaited railway connection with a new train station.

According to airport spokeswoman Denisa Hejtmánková, the modernization plans involve tearing down and rebuilding several parking areas, adding new surface parking, and demolishing the current flyover leading to Terminal 2 for a complete rebuild.

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 will undergo expansions to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.

Additionally, the airport will see major infrastructure upgrades, including a new cable duct and a transformer station to boost power supply. These upgrades aim to ensure the airport can handle future growth efficiently.

Traffic Restrictions Begin March 3

As part of the initial phase, from March 3 until the end of June, there will be traffic restrictions on the Aviatická access road and PB parking lot due to repairs on the second road in front of Terminal 1.

“A supply corridor under Terminal 1 is also planned this year to improve logistics for shops and restaurants,” Hejtmánková stated. The construction of this corridor is estimated to cost 90 million CZK and is expected to enhance efficiency for airport businesses.

Railway Connection in Sight

One of the most anticipated elements of the modernization is the airport’s integration with Prague’s railway network. Plans include the construction of a train station at the airport, offering passengers a much-needed alternative to road transport. This project aligns with Prague’s broader efforts to enhance public transport connectivity and reduce road congestion around the airport.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

A Prague tram driver has been fired after verbally and physically confronting a Ukrainian family with a small child.

The Prague Transport Company (DPP) announced the decision on X, stating that the driver violated internal rules and legal regulations.

The incident, which was caught on video, sparked widespread condemnation from public officials, including Interior Minister Vít Rakušan, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda, and Government Commissioner for Human Rights Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková.

Incident on Line 7 Tram

The altercation occurred on a Line 7 tram, where the driver was filmed shouting at an elderly Ukrainian couple and their young child before forcibly removing them from the vehicle.

In the footage, the driver can be heard yelling, “You have no right to be here in this country,” and is seen gesturing aggressively at the passengers.

Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda called the video “shocking”, emphasizing that such xenophobic behavior has no place in public transport or a civilized society.

Deputy Transport Minister Zdeněk Hřib echoed the sentiment, stating that, regardless of what led up to the incident, “such conduct is completely unacceptable, especially in front of a child.”

Driver’s Defense Fails to Convince Authorities

The tram driver later attempted to defend his actions on social media, claiming that the Ukrainian passengers had been disruptive and that the man had spat at him.

“I wish the video showed what happened earlier. The child was jumping on the seat with dirty shoes, and I politely asked them to stop. But the man repeatedly cursed at me and spat at me—that part isn’t in the footage,” he reportedly wrote in posts circulating online.

Prague Transport Company Takes Action

Following an internal investigation, DPP spokesperson Aneta Řehková confirmed that the driver’s actions were a direct violation of company policies, Czech law, and ethical standards.

She stated that “his handling of the situation was entirely inappropriate and unacceptable.” As a result, DPP terminated the driver’s employment and announced plans to file a complaint with the state prosecutor’s office, citing potential legal violations.

Meanwhile, Prague police have launched an investigation to assess the legal implications of the incident. Early findings suggest the case may be classified as an offense against civil coexistence, though further legal evaluation is ongoing.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Czech firefighters were battling a major chemical blaze in eastern Czech Republic on Friday after a freight train derailed and carcinogenic benzol from damaged tank wagons caught fire.

The derailment took place near the station in the town of Hustopece nad Becvou around noon local time, with the fire sending thick black smoke into the air visible from a long distance. The cause of the derailment was under investigation.

No one has been injured.

The nearest houses in the town are located about 500 meters from the fire, but the smoke hadn’t reached them.

Firefighters said that 15 of the 17 tanks in the train were on fire. Each tank contained about 60 metric tons of the toxic substance. They used a helicopter to contain the fire while their counterparts from neighboring Slovakia were on the way to help.

Authorities said that no levels of dangerous substances exceeding limits have been detected in the town, but advised that residents there and in nearby towns and villages don’t open their windows, and stay indoors.

Benzol contains benzene, toluene, and xylene, which are used to make various chemical substances.

After more than 25 years of delays, a long-vacant lot near Prague’s Agnes Monastery is finally being transformed.

The location, once planned for the controversial “Marshmallow” project by architect Zdeněk Fránek, will now feature a high-end residential building—also designed by Fránek.

A Historic Site with a Complicated Past

For decades, the vacant land at the intersection of Kozí and U Milosrdných streets in Prague 1 remained undeveloped.

In the early 2000s, Italian investor Augusto Razetto proposed a new development, but bureaucratic hurdles and public opposition halted progress. Fránek’s initial design, nicknamed the “Marshmallow,” faced strong criticism, preventing the project from moving forward.

Now, after nearly a quarter-century of negotiations, the project has secured final approval.

“Building in Prague’s Old Town is an immense challenge due to strict permitting rules. But this location, combined with a premium architectural design, makes Rezidence U Milosrdných a truly unique rental property,” said Jiří Vajner, CEO of Creditas Real Estate.

The six-story building offers 27 fully furnished apartments ranging from 2+kk to 4+kk layouts. Additionally, it features two commercial spaces, underground garages, and storage units.

Monthly rents start at 45,000 CZK.

A Design Chosen Through Architectural Competition

The final design was selected through a closed architectural competition in 2018. A jury, including developers and architects Ladislav Lábus, Josef Pleskot, and Zdeněk Lukeš, reviewed proposals from top firms such as Chybik + Kristof, MS Architekti, QARTA Architektura, and CMC Architects. Fránek’s project ultimately won approval.

The 18-meter-high building is carefully designed to complement its surroundings, ensuring it does not overshadow the Baroque Na Františku Hospital or the nearby functionalist and postmodern buildings by Bohumír Kozák and Ricardo Bofill.

 

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

A disturbing incident involving a tram driver in Prague has ignited public outrage, prompting an official investigation by the transport company.

The driver is accused of aggressively ejecting a family, including a young child, from a tram, allegedly due to the child’s foot touching a seat.

The video depicts the tram driver shouting at a man holding a small child and a woman with a stroller. “You have no right to be in this country at all,” the driver yelled, interspersed with vulgarities, citing the child’s foot on the seat as the reason for the eviction.

The driver’s behavior escalated as he threatened, “Get out, or I’ll call the police,” and even lunged at the man. “We’re not touching,” the passenger responded, but the driver continued his tirade.

The child’s father, said that the man in the video is his 63-year-old father, who was taking his grandson home with his wife. “The driver got upset because my son was standing with his feet on the seat and looking out the window. Even though my father showed that his shoes were clean and immediately picked him up, the driver still reacted aggressively,” he said.

The man, who has lived in Prague for years, said his wife is Czech and his son, seen in the video, is a Czech citizen.

The driver repeatedly asserted he would call the police and declared that the tram would be halted “because of this gentleman,” referring to the passenger.

The recording shows the family, including a crying child, leaving the tram without any intervention from other passengers.

The reactions

The DPP has confirmed they are taking the incident seriously. “Whatever preceded the situation, such behavior is completely unacceptable, especially in front of a small child,” stated Deputy Mayor Hřib. “We are urgently addressing this with the transport company, including taking labor law steps as quickly as possible.”

“We immediately launched an internal investigation,” said Aneta Řehková, a spokesperson for the DPP, in a statement to Novinky. “The driver’s handling of the situation is in complete contradiction not only with the internal rules of the DPP but also with the laws of the Czech Republic and basic decency. We do not and will not tolerate such behavior.”

The number of taxis in Prague has been rising rapidly, with registrations increasing by more than 50% per year since 2021.

At the same time, the vehicles in operation are getting older, raising concerns about emissions and urban air quality.

In response, Prague’s municipal government is proposing new regulations that would limit taxi licenses to cars no older than six years, starting in 2029. Additionally, from September 2029, only electric or hydrogen-powered taxis would be allowed on the city’s streets.

The proposal was reviewed on Tuesday by the City Council’s Transport Committee, and the final decision will rest with councilors and representatives, who would need to approve the changes in the form of a decree.

According to Markéta Braun Kohlová, the coordinator of Prague’s mobility plan, nearly 16,000 taxis were registered in the city last year. This figure includes both traditional taxi services and ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt. In contrast, Prague had fewer than 2,000 taxis in 2010.

However, the real number is likely even higher, as many taxis registered in other regions also operate in the capital. Since 2010, the annual growth rate of taxis in Prague has averaged 24%, but since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has surged beyond 50% per year.

“The average age of taxis is rising sharply,” Braun Kohlová noted. Until 2017, the typical Prague taxi was around four years old, but by 2023, that figure had increased to 10.5 years.

City officials argue that the increasing number of taxis negatively impacts air quality, as taxis cover far more kilometers per day than private cars. Although Prague’s air currently meets legal limits, European regulations will tighten these limits by 2030, reducing the allowable levels by half.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi has added a second performance in Prague due to overwhelming demand.

The acclaimed musician, known for his emotive compositions and film soundtracks, will now perform at O2 Universum on May 28, one day before his previously sold-out show.

Einaudi, whose music has been featured in films like The Intouchables, Samba, and Nomadland, will take the stage with a six-piece string ensemble, offering audiences an immersive live experience.

Tickets for the newly added concert are available via Ticketmaster and Ticketportal. The event is organized by the Charmenko agency.

The concerts will showcase Einaudi’s latest album, The Summer Portraits, which he describes as a dedication to “all our summers and beautiful moments.”

The 13-track album is inspired by personal memories of sunlit days, family vacations, and a nostalgic return to his childhood home in Turin.

This new work sees Einaudi return to the full-bodied orchestration of his 2013 album In A Time Lapse, offering a richer, more dynamic sound compared to his recent solo recordings. Standout tracks include “Jay,” “Rose Bay,” “Punta Bianca,” and “Pathos”, each accompanied by visually stunning videos.

With over nine billion streams annually, Einaudi is among the most-played classical musicians worldwide. His distinctive style has earned him a devoted following, consistently selling out prestigious concert halls across the globe.

In addition to his solo work, he remains a sought-after film composer, crafting evocative scores that enhance cinematic storytelling.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Farmers’ markets are making a comeback across Prague this March, offering fresh produce, local specialties, and artisanal goods.

Starting Saturday, March 1, residents can visit various markets across the city, including Vítězné náměstí in Prague 6, Malostranské náměstí in Prague 1, Tylovo náměstí in Prague 2, and the popular Rašínovo nábřeží embankment.

Markets will also be held at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square in Prague 3 and Karlínské náměstí in Prague 8.

On March 8, a special International Women’s Day event will take place, offering a wide selection of flowers, including daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. Live performances and tasting events will also be part of the celebration.

This year, the markets will emphasize sustainability by promoting reusable tableware, minimizing single-use packaging, and improving waste sorting and disposal efforts.

More Markets to Explore Across Prague

• Heřmaňák Market (Řezáčovo Square, Prague 7) – Also opening Saturday, March 1, this market will feature organic vegetables, fruit, pastries, sausages, free-range eggs, flowers, handmade decorations, and even pet treats.

 

• Karlín Farmers’ Market (Karlínské Square, Prague 8) – Launching on Friday, March 7, and operating every Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, it will include a Food Zone where visitors can enjoy coffee, breakfast, and lunch.

 

• Malostranské náměstí Market (Prague 1) – Opening Thursday, March 13, this market will run every Thursday from 8:00 AM, featuring products from local farmers, café owners, and restaurateurs.

 

• Tylovo náměstí Market (Prague 2) – Starting March 17, it will offer a variety of traditional and specialty products, such as fish, wine, liqueurs, tea, spices, herbs, flowers, gardening products, ceramics, wool, wax, and woodwork.

 

• Jiřího z Poděbrad Farmers’ Market (Prague 3) – Expected to open March 19, but dependent on weather conditions and ongoing square renovations. Once operational, it will run Wednesday to Saturday, with weekday hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday hours until 2:00 PM.

 

• Rašínovo nábřeží Market (Prague Embankment) – Already open, this popular Saturday market (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM) offers a variety of goods from Czech farmers, breeders, and producers.

 

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The Czech Republic has barely had time to recover from recent food price hikes, and another surge is already underway.

This wave is marked by the most significant increase in agricultural producer prices in nearly two years.

In January, the price of agricultural production rose by 9.1 percent year-on-year, the largest increase since March 2023. Potatoes, in particular, saw a significant rise of 6.2 percent month-on-month.

While last year’s harvest was relatively strong, the price surge is largely due to the expansion of growers’ production areas. This trend was similarly observed in major producer countries like France and Germany, which have a direct impact on potato prices in the Czech Republic.

But it’s not just supply issues driving the price increase – demand is also on the rise. This is partly due to the fading effects of recent years’ inflationary waves. Additionally, the cost of storing potatoes during the winter has risen due to higher energy costs, further contributing to the price increase.

Rising Fruit Prices

Fruit prices are climbing sharply as well, with a 29.8 percent year-on-year increase. Stocks from the previous season are running low, and their depletion is accelerating due to rising demand.

Much like potatoes, fruit prices are also influenced by higher energy costs, especially for storage, as well as the rising cost of fertilizers and necessary chemicals.

Price fluctuations in the European market, global climate changes, and the pricing policies of domestic retail chains – which are often dominated by a few major players – all play a role in shaping the cost of fruit. Czech growers, however, face a disadvantage compared to their Polish counterparts, as they receive less generous subsidies.

Despite these price increases, the Czech National Bank (CNB) is unlikely to change its current monetary policy in response. The CNB will closely monitor how these increases are reflected in retail food prices. However, since food prices tend to be volatile, they are not included in the CNB’s core inflation monitoring and can be largely disregarded in the short term, even if fluctuations are significant.

A Tough Year Ahead

Food prices are expected to rise by approximately 6 percent this year, more than double the expected overall inflation rate. However, this is expected to be partly offset by weaker industrial output.

In contrast, producer prices in January grew more slowly than anticipated, rising by just 0.5 percent year-on-year, the smallest increase since March of the previous year.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more