The Czech Ministry of Health has spent over 18 billion crowns on dealing with the Covid pandemic in the past three years. According to a ministry report 14.6 billion was spent on vaccines, 2.3 billion on protective equipment and lung ventilators, 940 million was spent on operating the Smart Quarantine system. Most Czechs still prefer a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, according to a poll carried out by the Median agency for Radiozurnal, released on its website iROZHLAS.cz yesterday. Almost 90% of respondents said the European Union and NATO should try to settle peace through diplomatic talks. Ten Czech volunteers from the civic association team4ukraine received medals for bravery in Kyiv from the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, General Valery Zaluzhny. The team members regularly travel to Ukraine to train Ukrainian soldiers in first aid, help in the hospital in Bakhmut, or deliver humanitarian aid. The government is planning to levy a higher tax on gambling, to boost revenues and improve the state of public finances. Presently the state collects around nine billion crowns annually from gambling. The VAT on spirits is also expected to go up. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic based in...
The CEO of the Prague Transport Company (DPP), Petr Witowski, has announced that the company will start testing a new hydrogen-powered bus this spring. The purpose of the test is to assess technical and operational parameters, and the bus will initially operate on line number 170, running from Jižní Město to Barrandov. DPP has been exploring alternative ways of powering public transport vehicles for several years, having gradually introduced electric cars and resumed trolleybus operations. According to a document approved by the city’s former leadership last year, current hydrogen technology technically allows buses to run on fuel, but it is the most expensive option so far. The fuel consumption per kilometre of travel for a hydrogen bus costs about three times more than a diesel bus, and repairs are also more expensive compared to diesel buses. The hydrogen bus will run on line 170 on a trial basis, which was chosen because of its length of about 40 kilometres, its hilly profile, and its proximity to the first public hydrogen filling station in Prague located on K Barrandov Street. The car will leave from the Kačerov garage. “We have completed preparations for testing, having recently visited the hydrogen bus prototype...
Local authorities in the Czech city of Ostrava have announced a competition for the design of what will become the first skyscraper in the Czech Republic after original plans failed to meet building standards. Architects are being encouraged to submit their design proposals for Ostrava Tower, a building that will be approximately 175 meters tall and the tallest building in the Czech Republic. “We now consider the architectural competition to be the only way to find a permanent and high-quality solution for the city,” declared Ostrava Mayor Tomáš Macura on Monday. “Today we approved the matter at the council, after about a year of negotiating the terms. The investor informed us in about April 2022 that the original form of the building was unfeasible for him, due to the founding conditions and the economics of the construction,” said Deputy Mayor Zuzana Bajgarová. The result of the competition is expected by June 2024, and the application for the issuance of a permit must then be submitted to the building authority for approval. The initial design included a public lookout point at the top of the building along with a restaurant. It planned to contain both commercial and residential elements including offices,...
A rare aurora was visible in northern Bohemia late on Sunday evening and should be even more pronounced on the night from Monday to Tuesday, according to astronomer Petr Horálek. The rare sight in the night sky was caused by a geomagnetic storm from the Sun’s activity. The aurora could be seen with a naked eye both in Czechia and Slovakia. “Particles from this eruption are still flying towards us and will hit the Earth in the next hours to tens of hours,” meteorologist Martin Adamovsky explained to CNN Prima NEWS. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), the flare could therefore be even more pronounced on Tuesday night, but it depends on other factors. “Anything can happen, the glow can be weak or it can come at five o’clock in the morning, then it would be visible in the United States, but not here. But there is a chance, and it is not small,” Adamovský added. If the glow is strong, it should be visible over the horizon almost all over the Czech Republic, but people in more northern regions will have better conditions. “To observe it, you generally need the darkest sky possible, i.e. outside cities. The further...
On February 25, 1948, the Communist Party, with Soviet backing, assumed undisputed control over the government of Czechoslovakia, marking the onset of four decades of undisguised communist rule in the country. After World War II through May 1946 After World War II, Czechoslovakia looked favorably on the Russians, who had liberated them. In fact, the Communist Party had had a solid following in the country from the 1920s, when the nation was democratic. Eduard Beneš, who became the postwar president, had signed a friendship treaty with the Soviets while working with the government-in-exile in 1943. The Czechoslovak army and local government structure were modeled after those in the USSR. By the beginning of 1946, there was no USSR military presence in the country, yet Communists were well-represented in the government with Klement Gottwald as the Prime Minister and other Communists looking after the ministries of the interior, agriculture, information, defense, and education. The results of the May 1946 elections demonstrated the popularity of the Party, as it nabbed 38 percent of the vote. The Communist Party’s popularity drops From May 1946 until July 1947, things seemed to be running smoothly in Czechoslovakia. Then the nation wanted to obtain Marshall Aid....
“Back then, before World War II, Hitler behaved in exactly the same way as Putin is behaving now with regard to Ukraine,” the ex-general said at a pro-Ukraine demonstration in Prague on Saturday evening. Czech President-elect Petr Pavel has drawn parallels between the actions of Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Adolf Hitler. “Back then, before World War II, Hitler behaved in exactly the same way as Putin is behaving now with regard to Ukraine,” the ex-general said at a pro-Ukraine demonstration in Prague on Saturday evening, according to Czech News Agency (CTK). Pavel said Hitler abused the German minority in the Sudeten territories of what was then Czechoslovakia to stir up emotions and incite violence. Nazi Germany annexed the predominantly German-populated Sudeten territories under the Munich Agreement of September 1938. A few months later, in March 1939, its forces invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia. World War II finally broke out with the invasion of Poland on Sept. 1 that year. The rally was attended by several personalities. Among the speakers was Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, the British, German and US ambassadors to Prague and Ukraine’s Chargé d’Affaires Vitaly Usatyj. It was organized by the civic association Million Moments for Democracy, Memory of the Nation, the Ukrainian Embassy and the Gift for Putin initiative. Pavel...
Nestled in the picturesque South Bohemian Region, Castle Blatna stands as a breathtaking architectural gem with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. While the castle has been a popular tourist destination for years, the addition of alpaca tours has elevated the experience to a whole new level. Its origins are traced back to the 13th century, with additions and renovations made over the centuries. The current appearance of the castle dates back to the 16th century when it was transformed into a Renaissance-style chateau. The castle was later acquired by the Schwarzenberg family, who were responsible for the majority of the castle’s interior and exterior renovations. Today, the castle stands as a remarkable testament to Czech architecture and history, with its original features and unique character attracting visitors from around the world. You can admire its imposing façade, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements, and its stunning interior spaces that are adorned with ornate stucco and frescoes. The alpacas are looked after by the current owners of the castle, who have made it their mission to introduce visitors to these friendly animals while providing an unforgettable experience. The alpaca tours begin with an introduction to the...
On February 25, 2018, Milion chvilek pro demokracii (lit. ‘A Million Moments for Democracy’) was conceived as a petition for Andrej Babiš’ resignation from parliament, arguing that someone under criminal investigation should not be allowed to hold the position of Prime Minister. Although they fell short of their goal for one million signatures, the organization has continued to maintain a strong civic presence within the Czech republic, urging for greater accountability in government and greater civic participation. They are predominantly funded through private donations and fundraisers. We met Hana Strašáková, spokesperson for Milion chvilek pro demokracii. “Over the five years of our activity, we have gathered know-how on how to talk to those who do not vote for democratic political parties and who do not agree with Million of Moments. … Our goal will undoubtedly be to unite all the people who care about the future of our country. And that will undoubtedly require a greater focus on non-urban citizens.” Earlier this year, Petr Pavel was elected President of the Czech Republic after two rounds of voting,receiving 35.40% of votes in the first round and 58.31% in the second. Prior to being elected President, Petr Pavel served as the Chairman...
The Czech Ministry of Health has spent over 18 billion crowns on dealing with the Covid pandemic in the past three years. According to a ministry report 14.6 billion was spent on vaccines, 2.3 billion on protective equipment and lung ventilators, 940 million was spent on operating the Smart Quarantine system. The Czech minister of foreign affairs, Jan Lipavský, says Russia must withdraw unconditionally from the whole of Ukraine. In an address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Mr. Lipavský said Russia’s aggression, which has now been going on for a year, had caused unimaginable suffering both in Ukraine and elsewhere. General Emil Boček, the last surviving Czech airman who served in Britain’s RAF during WWII, turned 100 on Saturday, February 25. The veteran pilot served with the RAF’s 312 and 310 squadrons and participated in over two dozen operational flights. Universities in the Czech Republic secured studies of some 3,500 Ukrainian refugees last year, and the Education Ministry gave 173 million crowns to universities for the education of refugees from Ukraine. The town of Číhošt’ in the Havlíčkův Brod region is marking 73 years since the murder of priest Josef Toufar,...
A car crashed onto a sidewalk in Prague’s Jugoslávská street near the I.P. Pavlova tram stop on Friday night hitting pedestrians and crashing into a building. Paramedics treated five injured people – two from the car and three pedestrians. All the injured were conscious and not in life-threatening danger. Police say the driver likely crashed due to a medical complication. Police spokeswoman Violeta Siřišťová told the Czech News Agency today. The accident occurred around 12:00 AM. “The driver likely crashed into a building due to a medical complication and before that hit a pedestrian,” Siřišťová said. Paramedics reported that the driver had injuries to his arms and legs and was convulsing after a seizure. One of the pedestrians suffered more serious injuries, including head trauma and injuries to both legs. The other three patients had minor injuries. Firefighters also responded to the scene. “After documentation by police, we extricated the car and covered up the leaking operating fluids,” they tweeted. Due to the accident, tram traffic was interrupted for about half an hour in both directions between I.P. Pavlova and Karlovo náměstí stops, and night lines were diverted. The traffic police are currently investigating the circumstances of the accident, Siřišťová added.
On the morning of Friday, February 24th, a new mural by one of the best Czech street artists, Dmitry Proškin, better known by his pseudonym ChemiS, was unveiled in the center of Prague. The mural is located on the facade of the lower house of the Czech parliament. It is painted on a freestanding stand (not on the wall of the historical building). It depicts a 7-year-old girl, Amelia, who became one of the symbols of hope during the first difficult days of the full-scale Russian invasion – a video of her singing “Let It Go” from the Disney cartoon “Frozen” in a Kiev bomb shelter went around the world. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian embassy, Czech politicians, and Ukrainian refugees. “One of the symbols of the war was a seven-year-old girl Amelia, who shocked the world at the very beginning of the war by singing her famous song right from a bomb shelter in Kiev. For me, she is a symbol of great hope,” said the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament, Markéta Pekarová Adamová. We should remind you that Dmitry Proškin also has another touching work in support of Ukraine...
For about a week now, one of the picturesque streets in the city center – Týnská – has looked more like a traffic playground. The historic character of the center is now complemented by white zigzag lines. They are meant to improve traffic safety in an area where no more than 20 cars are allowed. “This is the first time I’ve seen this, and I’m frankly appalled. Aesthetically, it’s horrible,” said Prague 1 Deputy Mayor David Bodeček (Pirates). “I find it very unsightly. It was news to me this morning (Thursday, ed.). But it is a matter for the Prague 1 Transport Department, which is not obliged to consult us on such issues,” the mayor said. However, Terezie Radoměřská, the Transport Department’s representative, said the measure is intended to improve safety at the site. “It is for the sake of the people coming out of the house behind the break in the alley. It’s quite narrow at that point and breaks slightly to the left. Drivers have a blind spot there, there’s an exit from the house. Local residents have repeatedly complained to us that it is extremely dangerous to leave the house there,” shes said. Ludvík Czital, head of...
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