Czech trade unions have declared a strike alert with immediate effect over the government’s budget consolidation package, said Josef Stredula, chairman of the Bohemian-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS), after the unions’ meeting yesterday. Prague City Hall has announced plans to replace the “botched” copy of the Mánes calendar installed during the 2018 reconstruction of Prague’s famous astronomical clock. The city hall came under fire after members from the Club for Old Prague pointed out that the copy of the calendar deviated significantly from Mánes‘ original. . A Czech medic who helped save Ukrainian soldiers has died, months after sustaining a serious injury in Donbas. Known as “Taylor”, the medic was hit by shrapnel in March and later transferred back to Czechia. The volunteer was the founder of Phoenix Project, which gave basic medical training to thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. Almost one-tenth of adults in the Czech Republic, around 900,000 people, drink alcohol every day, and around 1.5 million drink hazardously, Pavla Chomynova, head of the National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addictions, told journalists yesterday, presenting the centre’s annual report on addiction. Czech President Petr Pavel who is on a two-day visit to Denmark...
A Czech medical worker, severely injured in Donbas in March and transferred to the Central Military Hospital in Prague in April, has passed away. “With deep sorrow, we inform you of sad news. Taylor, the founder of the Phoenix project, our friend and hero who personally saved many wounded soldiers on the eastern front and trained thousands of soldiers and civilians in combat medicine, succumbed to his severe injuries on May 15, 2023, after weeks of fighting,” said representatives of the Phoenix programme on social media. According to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two Czech volunteers fighting against the Russian army have lost their lives in Ukraine. One passed away in March 2023 and the other in June 2022. The Phoenix project trains Ukrainian troops in combat medicine, while medics provide direct assistance on the front lines. Taylor suffered shrapnel wounds (Ukr) in mid-March during an artillery shelling in Donbas while assisting in evacuating a wounded Ukrainian soldier. At the time, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the injured individual’s condition did not allow immediate evacuation. The medical worker was evacuated (Ukr) to the Prague Central Military Hospital in early April.
The Czech government’s decision to raise the VAT on non-alcoholic beverages has sparked outrage among industry players. Manufacturers, including Mattoni 1873 and Kofola, strongly oppose this move, considering it ill-considered and discriminatory. The VAT rate for non-alcoholic beverages is set to increase from 15% to 21% The Czech mortgage market experienced a slowdown in April as loan volume decreased by 16% compared to the previous month. The total loans amounted to 10.6 billion Czech crowns, with a decline of 2 billion Czech crowns. Additionally, average mortgage interest rates saw a slight increase of three basis points, reaching 5.89% annually . Opposition leaders ANO would have come first in general elections held at the turn of May with 30.5 percent, suggests a poll by the Kantar agency.The survey indicates that the three parties in the Together bloc, who are in government with the Mayors and the Pirates, would together have taken 25 percent of the vote. European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová has criticized the Czech government’s plans to place newspapers in the higher VAT tax bracket of 21 percent. Jourova said the price hike would have a devastating impact on printed media, particularly the regional and local newspapers. ...
Prague City Hall has announced plans to replace the “botched” copy of the Mánes calendar installed during the 2018 reconstruction of Prague’s famous astronomical clock. The unveiling of the reconstructed Old Town Clock in 2018, was accompanied by much pomp and ceremony, but later came to light that the copy of Josef Mánes’ calendar, admired by millions of tourists all year round, is a far cry from the original, which is housed in the Prague City Museum. A closer inspection revealed that the author of the copy – artist Stanislav Jirčík – took a lot of creative license in reproducing Mánes’ work. According to Milan Patka, from the Club for Old Prague, which filed a complaint about it, the changes were considerable and there was no good reason for them. In one depiction, intended to represent Virgo, the original of a girl with red hair and a distinctive ribbon is replaced with a middle-aged, modern-looking woman with grey or highlighted hair and an earring. In another instance, a smiling female Aquarius has been transformed into a man with short hair. Jiřčík also changes Mánes’ original painting of a predominantly black dog to one with a brown and white coat and...
By Kathryn Murphy When getting lost in a good book, I always feel more indulged while reading in the right setting. Having that perfect reading corner in the back of a bookstore, under a blooming tree in the grass, or at a wooden table sipping on a vanilla latte while the smell of coffee consumes me. Since moving to Prague two months ago, my first mission was to find places to both dive into my reading and find a good book to do so. When I first arrived in Prague, I decided to read one of my favorite book series, Harry Potter. Adjusting to a new city halfway across the world from my small town in Iowa, this series brought me a sense of comfort while adjusting to Prague. I explored my neighborhood, Vinohrady, when I arrived here first, and found a charming Italian Renaissance styled park, Grébovka (Havlíčkovy Sady) surrounded by statues and man-made stone caves. When walking through the labyrinth of paths and staircases, benches are hidden away amongst the stonework; making for a peaceful private reading space. For a sunnier, more spacious reading area, I took to the many benches or open grasses on the hill overlooking the city by the Koi pond. I...
Canadian producer S!ck!ck is bringing the dance party to Prague on June 30 at Retro Music Hall! With over 10 million active followers, S!ck!ck has taken over the remix industry. He is both a DJ and a talented recording artist. His unique take on current music blended with classic hits creates an atmospheric auditory experience like no other. Collaborating with noteworthy artists such as Madonna, Post Malone, 070 Shake, Fireboy DML and more, S!ck!ck is making a name for himself in music without ever showing his face. Bringing together elements of trap, bass, reggaeton, electro and R&B, the masked artist has crafted his unique style of electronica by layering seductive lyrics over hard-hitting percussion. He has parlayed his recent explosion into a global 2022 touring cycle having just performed at Tomorrowland, Rock in Rio, World Club Dome and his own headline tour. About Sickick Despite his musical talent, the idea of fame and crowds was once a cause of anxiety for Sickick. The iconic mask, which is now ubiquitous with his image and music, has allowed him to overcome his fears. Sickick has received acknowledgements from musical heavyweights like Missy Elliott, Jason Derulo, Shaq, Timbaland and Sean Paul for his...
International Museum Day is held every year on May 18 and is a project of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The day was established in 1977 to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness about the fact that museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, development of mutual understanding, and peace among people. Admission fees will be waived in nearly all departments of the National Museum, offering visitors a wide range of exhibits and collections to enjoy. Moreover, four branches of the National Gallery in Prague will be accessible without charge. From 10:00 to 18:00, guests can explore exhibitions such as “Old Masters I” at Schwarzenberský Palace and “Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe 1200-1550” at St. Agnes Monastery. Visitors can explore the National Agricultural Museum free of charge and take in breathtaking views of Prague from the building’s rooftop. The museum, located at Kostelní 1300/44, will welcome guests from 09:00 to 17:00. The Clam-Gallas Palace, part of the Prague City Museum, will also be open to the public at no cost, offering a glimpse into its rich...
Czech government plans to increase tobacco taxation and introduce a new tax on e-cigarettes as part of its consolidation package. This proposal calls for an annual 5% increase in tobacco consumption tax until 2027 and a 15% increase in heated tobacco products. E-cigarettes will be taxed in accordance with the EU Tobacco Directive. Czech Post is increasing its prices for the fourth time in a year from November 1, 2023. The cost of sending a regular letter will increase from CZK23 to CZK27, with registered and valuable letters also seeing a price increase. The company cites a decline in demand and rising costs as the reasons behind the move. . The spa season in the town of Mariánské Lázně in West Bohemia got underway with the blessing of the springs by local clergy on Saturday. The opening ceremony, attended by thousands of people, is one of the biggest events in the town, with a tradition of more than 200 years. Sparta Prague beat rivals Slavia Prague 3:2 at home on Saturday evening to put them in a good position to win their first Czech soccer league title since 2014. The result leaves them five points ahead of Slavia in what is...
Planning holiday excursions? Enjoy the most beautiful holidays with a Ticket for Summer (Jízdenka na léto), and travel throughout the whole country by train. The promotion applies to travel between 1 July and 31 August 2023. It is aimed primarily at travellers who plan to actively travel around the Czech Republic during the summer holidays. The ticket price is 1390 CZK for seven days and 1990 CZK for fourteen days (reduced prices of 695 and 995 CZK for children up to 18 years, students up to 26 years and seniors). With it, during its term of validity, one can ride on all ČD trains without limitation, travel any number of kilometres, get off anywhere and then board any regular connection. Only on SC Pendolino connections is it necessary to purchase a reservation. Other special offers have been prepared for the summer as well, for example, discounted tickets for certain music festivals. Admission discounts have also been prepared for ČD customers on other festivals, historic buildings, tourist exhibitions and much more. Passes can be purchased at railway ticket offices and on the official website of the company from June 15th. The Ticket for Summer offers: travel aboard ČD trains throughout the Czech...
The Prague Transport Company (DPP) has successfully completed a crucial milestone in the preparations for constructing a new tram line in the former Žižkov freight station area. Following a smooth environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, the municipality has confirmed that the project will have a negligible impact on the environment. The preliminary phase of the tram line has received approval in its provisional form, featuring a single-track section and the termination of the sidings. The EIA documentation outlines the timeline for construction, which is scheduled between 2025 and 2026. The final form of the tram line will include a double-track section spanning approximately 1,300 meters, from Jana Želivského to the Nad Kapličkou stop. Additionally, a single-track line, spanning 600 meters, is proposed to reach the Sídliště Jarov stop near the Auto Jarov area. Six new stops will be established along the tram line, namely Nový Žižkov, Nákladová, Malešická, Nad Kapličkou, Habrová, and Sídliště Jarov. Parts of the existing railway track will also be utilized for this project. Moreover, future plans for the Žižkov district include the construction of Jarovská třída, a new road connection between Malešická and Českobrodská Street, passing through the Žižkov Freight Station. Once completed, a section of...
The Prague airport is poised to potentially house a casino catering to the wealthiest individuals worldwide. Two new gambling projects were introduced at a public hearing between the city of Prague and the Central Bohemian Region, in the town of Tuchoměřice. The Grand Arena complex, developed by GPC Win a.s., intends to build a hotel and multifunctional hall primarily dedicated to international poker tournaments. The establishment should boast 140 gaming tables, 25 roulette and blackjack tables, as well as up to 400 slot machines. Additionally, it will house a lavish 72-room hotel, restaurant, and bars. Another casino, featuring live games and slot machines, will be situated behind the Pop Airport Outlet and entertainment center in Tuchoměřice. This project is led by Kaprain, owned by billionaire Karel Pražák, who already possesses the largest outlet and entertainment center in Central Europe—POP Airport. The outlet currently offers renowned international clothing brands and Majaland, an amusement park with several attractions, including the Dinosauria museum showcasing original prehistoric dinosaur bones. Nevertheless, the ambitious construction plans have stirred concerns among Tuchoměřice residents, who apprehend the potential repercussions of a casino within their community. During the project presentations, the investors’ representatives stressed that their companies have long-standing...
Ukraine’s planned counteroffensive to win back territory occupied by Russia has a good chance of success but may bring high casualties if Russia uses its prepared defences well, Czech President and former NATO general Petr Pavel said on Friday. Pavel, 61, said in an interview that Ukraine needs support for NATO and European Union entry but joining either will be a lengthy process, though talks on the EU accession could start this year. Pavel, who was Czech army chief and also the principal military adviser to the NATO secretary-general in 2015-2018, said Ukraine would eventually get Western fighter jets it has been calling for but it was impossible to deliver them in time for the upcoming offensive, and there were higher priorities such as ammunition. “There is certainly high hope that the Ukrainian counteroffensive will be successful, because Ukraine is motivated, well prepared, its troops are experienced and certainly do not succumb to such deficiencies as the Russian army,” Pavel said at Prague Castle, the seat of the Czech presidency. The Russian army had severe problems in logistics and morale, but a collapse of defences should not be expected, he said. “Russia has had time to prepare a relatively high-quality...
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