Thousands of Czech schools shut their doors on Monday and staged a rare one-day strike to demand higher funding for education, which they say is threatened by the centre-right cabinet’s austerity policies. Unions said the strike was joined by most schools and was supported by other unions in the public and private sectors amid displeasure with the government’s efforts to cut budget deficits. Teachers unions have said the 2024 education budget plan would threaten the quality of schooling due to inadequate resources for teaching languages and other subjects in small groups, and low funding for teachers’ assistants and other support professions, such as cooks. Josef Stredula, chief of the largest union group CMKOS, said the government had ignored the impact of inflation including energy prices on living standards and its package of tax hikes and spending cuts approved by parliament was unacceptable. “The government has been ignoring the tough life it has caused,” he said on Czech Television. Other professions will join the strike, including unions at the largest private manufacturer Skoda Auto, which planned a two-hour work stoppage. Stredula said around 1 million people would support the strike in some form. The government has said the strike was unfounded...
The Czech Republic is grappling with a 34% drought impact, accompanied by a decline in groundwater levels. Over the last decade, the monthly discharge of springs has seen a worrisome 127% decrease, according to data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Groundwater, vital for daily life as a key drinking water source and for soil fertility, is facing challenges. However, insights from the Czech Republic in Data journalism project highlight that scientific initiatives like Smart Landscape may offer solutions. Continued water scarcity and extreme weather conditions pose a threat to crops, jeopardizing the country’s food supply. Currently, the Czech Republic’s drought affects 34%, correlating with over 30% agricultural losses. “The primary cause of this decline is the increased evaporation of water from the ground due to rising temperatures. While precipitation during this period was 5% less than the long-term average, the main issue lies in its uneven distribution. Most waterfalls during heavy rains, running off the surface without penetrating the ground,” explains Alexandra Cholevová, an analyst for Czechia in Data. Would an upswing in rainfall positively impact water reserves? One might argue that the groundwater shortage stems from drought and insufficient rainfall. However, the crux lies in the evolving climate, resulting...
U.S. financial services firm Moody’s has upgraded the Czech Republic’s economic rating outlook from negative to stable, citing reduced risk linked to Russian gas supplies. The country’s shift to alternative gas sources and lowered gas demand by households and businesses contributed to this change. In August, the Czech Republic agreed to buy the main Czech gas storage company RWE Gas Storage CZ to bolster energy security, and in May signed a deal to boost capacity along the Transalpine Pipeline and cut off dependence on Russia from 2025. “The Czech Republic has become independent from Russian gas thanks to an effective substitution of Russian gas and structurally lower demand,” Moody’s said in its statement. About 98% of the Czech Republic’s gas supply was imported through pipelines from Russia prior to the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the ratings agency. On Friday, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he supported Slovakia’s request to continue exports of fuel produced from Russian oil to the Czech Republic beyond a Dec. 5 deadline. According to Moody’s, fiscal consolidation (policy to reduce debt) of around 2 percent of GDP over two years stabilizes the country’s debt burden. Furthermore, proposed pension reforms aiming to restrain costs from an...
Prague’s magical Christmas markets with beautifully designed wooden chalets take place on the major squares – Old Town Square, Republic Square, Wenceslas Square, or Peace Square. They lay out plenty of exciting foodie items, handmade craft gifts, and the most delicious warming drinks such as hot chocolate or spiced mulled wines. You will find great gift ideas as there is a vast selection of Christmas decorations, toys, jewelry, winter clothing, and accessories. It is also a great alternative to the usual Christmas shopping experience. If you stroll around the city markets, you are sure to get in the festive spirit. This year, you can attend a Christmas Market also on Karlínské náměstí on December 17th, from 12 pm until 8 pm. You can enjoy the magical atmosphere, the smell of mulled wine, the nativity scene, carols, and lots of goodies will make the Christmas rush more enjoyable. You can look forward to making Christmas decorations, a St. Nicholas gift, children will be able to write to Santa Claus and there will be singing performances by local schools and choirs. Venue: Karlínské nám. 316/7, Prague, Czech Republic Admission: FREE Find all the info here
On Monday, November 27, hundreds of industrial enterprises will join a strike against the government’s actions, halting production. About a million workers are expected to participate in the protest. The march will lead from Prague’s Rudolfinum to Malostranské náměstí, where a rally will take place starting at 1pm. On the same day, teachers and other educational institution staff will also protest, leading to the closure of many schools in the Czech Republic. Why is the strike happening? Teachers in Czechia are dissatisfied with low pay, earning around CZK 36,000 monthly, below the national average. In 2022, salaries for all school staff (including principals and administrators) saw minimal growth, averaging CZK 48,200, worsened by underfunding in the education sector. Support staff, like cooks and janitors, also express discontent, facing potential wage cuts of 2 percent in the 2024 education budget. Concerns arise about the impact on services like school meals. At the automotive company Škoda Auto, production will be halted at all plants for two hours with union activists expecting at least 8,000 employees to participate in the strike. This was announced on Tuesday at a press conference by the chairman of the KOVO union, Roman Dürch, and the leader of...
Researchers have revealed where and where not to visit if safety and peace are your top priorities, with this year’s publication of the Global Peace Index (GPI). This 17th edition of the index reveals, depressingly, that overall world peacefulness has declined by just under half a percent, which may not seem much but fits in with a 15-year downward trend. How is it measured? The Institute for Economics and Peace uses both qualitative and quantitative criteria in the GPI, a whole 23 of them, and looks at 163 independent states and territories comprising 99.7 per cent of the world’s population. Three main areas are taken into consideration: how safe and secure society is; ongoing domestic and international conflict levels; and to what extent the country in question is militarising. Global Peace Index 2023: The average level of global peacefulness deteriorated for the ninth consecutive year, with 84 countries recording an improvement and 79 a deterioration pic.twitter.com/ZfVmUIj1hU — IEP Global Peace Index (@GlobPeaceIndex) November 22, 2023 The Czech Republic has been ranked 12th in the Global Peace Index 2023. Despite a slight drop of five places over the past twelve months, the country still maintains its position among the...
As the festive season approaches, the historic Castle Blatna, nestled in the heart of South Bohemia, transforms into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. The annual Christmas markets held here are a celebration of holiday spirit, combining tradition, culture, and festive joy in a setting that feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. The Enchanting Christmas Markets At the heart of Castle Blatna’s festive activities is the Christmas market, a place where the joy of the holiday season truly comes to life. The markets are filled with the scent of mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts, complemented by the sounds of Christmas carols and local musicians, creating a backdrop of festive melodies. Each stall is a treasure trove of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and traditional Bohemian artifacts. Artisans from around the region offer everything from handcrafted jewelry and ceramics to wooden toys and bespoke Christmas decorations. Gastronomic delights abound, with a variety of traditional Czech dishes, seasonal treats, and international cuisine available. The traditional mulled wine is a perfect warm companion as you explore the market’s offerings. A Whirl of Fun at the Ice Rink Adding to the festive atmosphere is the ice rink, a popular attraction for both young...
Prague 1 has introduced a ban on nighttime entry to specific areas within the Old Town. The City Hall has revised traffic regulations, displaying prohibition signs with additional information in key streets such as Pařížská, Dlouhá, Rybná, Břehová, and Kozí. The proposed measure seeks to maintain a tranquil and secure environment, fostering an overall high quality of life. Residents of Dlouhá street, where a large number of popular nightlife venues are located, have long complained about the noise. The restricted area, delineated by Dvorak’s Embankment, Pařížská, and Revoluční, will be off-limits from 10 pm to 6 am. Each prohibition sign is accompanied by a supplemental indicator specifying the time. The ban will not apply to vehicles involved in supplying goods, medical assistance, repair, maintenance, and communal services, as well as those “transporting disabled individuals, taxis, and vehicles that belong to people residing, accommodating, or having property in the areas designated by the sign”. Tohle je fakt velký. Začal platit noční zákaz vjezdu bezmála do poloviny Starého Města. 🧵⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cueLV3XQKt — Filip Lachmann (@LachmannFilip) November 23, 2023 According to Prague 1 spokeswoman Karolina Šnejdarová, the night ban will take effect on Thursday, November 23. Municipal police and regular police patrols...
In the wake of Popeyes’ recent success in Prague, another iconic American fast-food giant is gearing up to make its mark in the Czech Republic. Five Guys, renowned for its mouthwatering burgers, crispy fries, and milkshakes, is all set to open its first restaurant in the heart of Prague in 2024. The move is backed by Monterock International, an investment holding specializing in private equity acquisitions within the gastronomy sector. Monterock recently acquired FG Central Europe, the company holding franchise rights for the expansion of the Five Guys brand across several European countries, including the Czech Republic. Five Guys, known for its emphasis on quality burgers, hot dogs, and fries, is scheduled to open its first restaurant in the second or third quarter of the coming year. The chosen location is Prague’s Národní třída, within the currently under-renovation Máj department store, as reported by Hospodářské noviny. With an area size of almost 17,000 square meters, the department store’s revamped offerings include the return of a Tesco supermarket – people passing by the building before its earlier closure will remember seeing the large chain – pharmacies, drugstores, cafes, a cosmetics store, an ice cream shop, a wine outlet, and more. The...
On December 2, 2023, the Prague Transport Company will unveil its “Christmas fleet” – trams and buses decorated in the festive spirit. The ceremonial lighting of the vehicles will take place at Vozovna Střešovice tram depot at 17:00. The blessing of the statue of St. Christopher, the patron saint of drivers and passengers, will take place at the same place one hour earlier. Entrance to the event is free. After the ceremony, the trams will set off in a Christmas parade and travel along the route Vozovna Střešovice – Hradčanská – Chotkovy sady – Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše – Štefánikův most – Náměstí Republiky. Visitors will be able to join the special ride for free. The number of seats is, however, limited. On the following days, the decorated trams will run on regular routes. DPP has announced that the Christmas trams and buses will remain in operation through January 6, giving Prague residents and visitors plenty of time to see the holiday-themed vehicles across the city throughout the season. Prague boasts the most extensively-decorated public transport fleet in the Czech Republic this year, with five trams and two buses participating in the Christmas festivities. The vehicles are decorated together with more...
At the corner of Dukelských Hrdinů and Veletržní, there lies a hotel filled with history, ambiance, and style accompanied by an enjoyable bar and delicious food, which allows it to stand alone from all other accommodations in Prague. Mama Shelter has been operating in Prague for five years now, giving visitors and locals alike a different way to experience the city. Ten floors, 238 rooms, ateliers, DJs, foosball tables, and a sensational terrace. These are a few of the amenities that Mama Shelter has to offer, not to mention the one-of-a-kind atmosphere when guests walk in for the first time. Considered as an ‘urban refuge’ with a vibrant hospitality that takes on a playful character, Mama Shelter is found in Prague and also across three continents, not only for a place where tourists can stay but where locals can come in for a bite or a drink. “There’s loud music playing, The bar is always lively, and it’s open late. So it’s not just a typical hotel bar where you or your parents have a glass of wine before they go to bed. We actually host parties, we have DJs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, consistently throughout the year, and...
The measures will see Czechs pay more taxes on alcohol and medicine, while businesses will also pay higher corporate taxes. Czech President Petr Pavel has signed into law an economic package of dozens of measures introducing budget cuts and increased taxes designed to keep the ballooning budget deficit under control. Pavel’s signature was the last step before the government proposal — which was approved by parliament — turned into law, meaning Czechs will pay more taxes on medicine and alcohol, in the country renowned for its beer. Value-added tax will have two rates, 12% and 21%, instead of the current three — 10%, 15% and 21%. Medicines will move from the 10% rate to 12%, while people will pay 21% VAT on their beloved beer in bars. Businesses will also pay higher taxes: corporation tax will go up by two points to 21% while property tax for individuals will be also hiked by 1.8 times, as well as the tax on alcohol, tobacco and betting. Prime Minister Petr Fiala previously said the austerity measures were necessary because the debt was rising at a “threatening” pace. Pavel has said the current situation is unsustainable. According to the government, the measures should...
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