Czechia

Czech Minister Apologizes for Christmas Party Amidst Tragic Shooting

Marian Jurečka, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, issued an apology for the Christmas party held by his ministry on the same day as the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, iDNES.cz writes. Witnesses reported that dancing continued at the ministry until midnight, despite earlier claims by the ministry that the event had been prematurely terminated around 9 p.m. Jurečka broke his silence and expressed regret for not evaluating the situation more promptly. He acknowledged that the event should have been canceled earlier and apologized if it offended anyone. The minister commented on the situation, stating, “I admit that I could have evaluated the whole situation more quickly and if I had full information earlier, we would have canceled the event much earlier. I apologize if our Christmas gathering offended anyone.” Criticism from the parliamentary opposition and the public mounted, with critics questioning the government’s behavior and accusing it of hypocrisy. The leaders of coalition parties have not commented on the event. Jurečka’s deputy, Zuzana Freitas Lopesová, who did not attend the party, emphasized her focus on the tragic events at the Faculty of Arts and her son, who is a...

 by Prague Morning Jan 04, 2024

A Record-Breaking 39 New Brands Entered the Czech Market Last Year

39 new brands entered the Czech retail market last year, a record number achieved in the past ten years, when the real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield has been closely monitoring this activity. Some of the most notable brands that came to the market last year include Victoria’s Secret, Popeyes, Signorvino, Rossopomodoro and Zadig & Voltaire. Two names literally shook the Czech market last year. The highly sought-after American lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret, which opened its first local store in Prague’s Westfield Chodov shopping centre in May, had been lacking in the country for a long time. Another major brand is the American fast food chain Popeyes, which opened a store in Dům módy on Prague’s Wenceslas Square in early November and where long queues still stand in January. The F&B segment was enriched by more interesting brands last year. The very popular Aperol Spritz Terrace opened in Prague’s Mánes, the Holy Pasta concept opened in Manifesto Market, The Alley tearoom opened in Na Příkopě Street. Italian concepts opened in shopping centres: Rossopomodoro in Palladium and Signorvino in Westfield Chodov. The so-called travel retail was enriched by the Bottega Prosecco Bar and Natoo brands at Prague Airport and the main...

 by Prague Morning Jan 04, 2024

Get Ready for a Cold Snap: Winter Approaches Czech Republic

Winter is on its way to the Czech Republic, and it’s bringing a significant drop in temperatures. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), brace yourself for all-day frosts with temperatures well below minus 10°C in the upcoming week. The warm and humid weather that kicked off the new year will be replaced by a noticeable chill over the weekend, signaling the arrival of winter. On Saturday, changes in the atmospheric flow over Europe will create a barrier over Britain, blocking warmer air from reaching our region. Instead, freezing arctic air from the north will take over, causing a substantial temperature drop, as predicted by the ČHMÚ. Meteorologists agree on the likelihood of a significant cooling trend, but there’s uncertainty about the intensity of the cold and moisture. Although making precise predictions about temperatures and precipitation remains challenging, one thing is clear – expect frosty days with temperatures well below minus 10°C early next week. “The duration of this cold spell and the weather in the latter half of the week are uncertain. However, signs suggest that this cold period might linger longer than initially thought,” shared the CHMÚ. Prepare for the cold as winter sets in, and stay tuned...

 by Prague Morning Jan 01, 2024

Czech President Allows 20 Czechs to Join the Fighting in Ukraine

During the initial year of President Petr Pavel’s tenure, he granted permission for 20 Czech individuals to participate in the Ukrainian army. However, the enthusiasm for engaging in the defense of Ukraine, with the accompanying risk to one’s life, significantly waned by the second year of the conflict. Meanwhile, President Miloš Zeman received a total of 477 applications, out of which Pavel reviewed 76, rejecting the majority—56 of them. Since taking office in early March of this current year, 76 Czech citizens have approached President Pavel seeking approval to join the Ukrainian army. Pavel granted a positive response to 20 of these requests, while the remaining were turned down. Securing such approval is a crucial step for those wishing to legally support Ukraine with arms, given that Czech law prohibits its citizens from serving in foreign armed forces. Exceptions exist for individuals with dual citizenship or those interested in serving in one of the armies affiliated with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The interest among Czech citizens to partake in Ukraine’s defense appears to be on the decline. Over the nearly two years since the war’s commencement, a total of 553 applications have been submitted. The majority (477) were directed...

 by Prague Morning Jan 01, 2024

President Pavel Calls for “Strength and Unity” and “Concrete Steps Towards Euro Adoption”

In his New Year address to the nation, President Petr Pavel underlined the need for strength and unity, saying it had been a difficult year from which he hoped to see the nation emerge stronger. Looking back on the past year, Mr. Pavel said he appreciated the government’s unity in undertaking unpopular measures to tackle the country’s debt, but criticized it for poor communication towards the public, which he said opened the door to populism. “We expect lower inflation, real wage growth for the first time in several years, and modest economic growth. I hope it will mark a turn for the better and give us all reason for greater optimism in the years to come,” the president concluded. President Pavel also devoted time to the 20th and 25th anniversaries of the country’s membership in the European Union and NATO, stressing their importance for the country’s security and economic development. The President emphasizes the need to take tangible actions to fulfill the commitment to adopt the euro. Despite the ongoing debates about the pros and cons of the euro for a country with an open and export-oriented economy, the common currency is deemed the logical future, notes the President. Last...

 by Prague Morning Jan 01, 2024

December 31, 1992: The Break-Up of Czechoslovakia

At midnight on 31 December 1992, a state disappeared from the map. Czechoslovakia, which had been forged in the aftermath of World War I, divided. 

 by Prague Morning Dec 31, 2023

Czech MPs Push to Extend Citizenship to Great-Grandchildren of Czechoslovaks

In a bid to amend the limitations of the current citizenship law, a group of members of the Czech Republic parliament (MPs) proposed changes that would allow additional categories of people to gain citizenship. MPs said that great-grandchildren of Czechoslovaks, which represent the fourth generation, should be eligible for citizenship through declaration. The proposal, which also covers descendants of compatriots who did not lose citizenship, received a favourable opinion from the government at a meeting held earlier this month. According to Česká Justice, the existing law on Czech citizenship acquisition through declaration has faced criticism for its time limit and restrictions, allowing only two generations of descendants to apply for citizenship. Thus, by making such a proposal, MPs want to address the shortcomings by extending eligibility for citizenship to the fourth generation, encompassing “descendants in direct descent.” Under the proposed changes, the one-year preclusion period, which, according to MPs, has caused practical difficulties for some applicants, will be eliminated. Czech MPs argued that the requirement for citizenship applicants to prove their descent from a former Czechoslovak citizen, even when their ancestors did not lose their citizenship, creates a very challenging evidentiary situation. In addition, the one-year effective period resulted in...

 by Prague Morning Dec 30, 2023

How to Celebrate “New Year’s Eve” Like a Czech

The New Year is celebrated in the Czech Republic similar to traditions we see around the world – with friends, and relatives, at pubs, concerts, and restaurants. The New Year is greeted with champagne, cheers, and firework shows near city squares. You can watch the countdown on major TV networks and it is traditionally followed by the Czech national anthem. In the Czech Republic, New Year’s Eve is called Silvestr, for the anniversary of the consecration of Pope Sylvester I, a saint who served as Pope of the Western Church from 314 to 335. Since the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, the December 31st feast date has coincided with New Year’s Eve. Czechs often gather around to watch the President’s New Years Speech (1p.m) – where he evaluates the previous year, and announces his predictions and expectations for the coming year. These days, pork is eaten on New Year’s Day with a side of lentils (čočka) topped with a fried egg (eating anything with wings is also said to make your luck fly away!). The dish is eaten for prosperity — and it makes for a pretty good hangover cure as well, as celebrations include a healthy share...

 by Prague Morning Dec 30, 2023

The Best Music Gigs, Concerts and Festivals Coming to Czechia in 2024

Czech fans can already anticipate the arrival of big stars in 2024 as concert tours and summer festivals bring them to stage.   On January 13, the renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli will kick off the list of great musical names. Performing at Prague’s O2 Arena, he will showcase opera arias and popular melodies accompanied by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. He was nominated for the Grammy Award six times throughout his career and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has performed for four American presidents, three Popes and the Royal Family, as well as the Olympic Games and World Cup Opening ceremonies.   Depeche Mode continues to tour for “Memento Mori,” the album released in the aftermath of the passing of founding member and keyboardist Andrew Fletcher. Having sold more than 100 million records and played to more than 35 million fans worldwide, Depeche Mode remains an ever-evolving and singularly influential musical force. In Prague, the synth-rock band will perform two concerts on February 22 and 24.   The British guitar quartet, The 1975, will bring their pan-European tour “Still… At Their Very Best” to the Fortuna sports hall in Prague. Described as an “anxious,...

 by Prague Morning Dec 29, 2023

Four Long Weekends Await Us. What About Public Holidays in 2024?

2024 will offer Czech citizens several “long weekends” with public holidays falling on a Friday or Monday. January 1st coincides with New Year’s Day and the commemoration of the Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State. This Monday celebration, coupled with the preceding weekend, grants us a delightful three-day break. Looking ahead, the next long weekend in 2024 aligns with the Easter holidays, starting on Good Friday, March 29. State Holidays Calendar for 2024: Mark Your Long Weekends January 1: Day of the Restoration of the Independent Czech State (Monday) May 8: Victory Day (Wednesday) July 5: Day of the Slavic Saints Cyril and Methodius (Friday) July 6: Jan Hus day (Saturday) September 28: Czech Statehood Day (Saturday) October 28: Statehood Day (Monday) November 17: Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy (Sunday) Much like the Easter holidays, Labour Day, falling on a Wednesday according to the calendar, offers a day of rest. A week later, Czechia comes together to celebrate Victory Day as a national holiday. The third long weekend of the year unfolds during the summer holidays. On July 5, Czechs honor the arrival of Cyril and Methodius, followed by the remembrance of Jan Hus’s day. Days of...

 by Prague Morning Dec 29, 2023

“Czechia” or “Czech Republic”? The Official Explanation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Based on frequently asked questions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic presents the following recommendations to use the short name “Česko/Czechia” in international context. In this text, we explain when to use the short form “Czechia” when presenting the Czech Republic abroad. 1. Distinction between short and formal country names First of all, it is important to remember that both the short (geographical) name and the formal (political) name serve as official names of the given country. In the case of the Czech state, the formal name is “the Czech Republic” (“Česká republika” in Czech) and the short form Czechia (“Česko” in Czech) stands as its equivalent. Both names are listed in the relevant UN databases. 2. Legal basis for a country’s short name The basis for the recognition of short forms of country names in the international community is a completed process of their national standardisation under the applicable laws of the country in question. Pursuant to Section 4 of Act No. 200/1994 Coll. (the Surveying Act), the Czech Office for Surveying, Mapping and the Land Registry (CUZK), with its expert Nomenclature Committee is the authority competent to standardise the names of geographical objects (settlements and natural landmarks). The one-word name “Česko” and its language mutations (including the English...

 by Prague Morning Dec 28, 2023

Ministry of Interior Calls for Cancellation of Municipal Fireworks after Prague Mass Shooting

Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (STAN) urges restraint on New Year’s Eve fireworks following the recent mass shooting at a Prague university. In a letter to mayors, Rakušan emphasizes the need to avoid escalating trauma in the wake of these incidents. Mr. Rakušan also called on members of the public limit their use of pyrotechnics this year, extending the plea through social media on the X network. Olomouc town hall aligns with this sentiment, canceling its New Year’s Eve fireworks display due to the tragic event and the city’s hydrological situation. In a parallel appeal, experts, including Adam Suchý, a clinical psychologist and representative of the Czech Republic in the Global Psychology Alliance, petition Prime Minister Petr Fiala to curtail pyrotechnics at the national level this year. Suchý underscores the psychological impact, particularly on survivors and the bereaved, as these explosive sounds may trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Obejděme se letos na Silvestra bez ohňostrojů a zábavní pyrotechniky. Požádal jsem o to dnes dopisem všechny starosty a starostky, ale obracím se s osobní prosbou i na vás. Před pár dny jsme zažili dva násilné činy spojené se střelbou. To nejmenší, co můžeme udělat pro ty, koho… —...

 by Gabriella Burgess Dec 28, 2023

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