Morning News: Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Thousands of skiers descended on Czech mountain resorts as the season opened this weekend. Following the first heavy snowfall there is 20 to 40 centimetres of snow on the slopes of the Giant Mountains and many resorts have started making artificial snow as well. Špindleruv Mlýn welcomed over 4,000 skiers at the weekend.

Year-on-year sales in retail trade decreased by 9.4% in real terms to October, and by 1.8% compared to September, according to the latest data published by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). Sales of non-food products fell by 11.2%, fuel by 8.0%, and food by 7.0% y-o-y

The population of the Czech Republic rose to 10 511 109 in the first three quarters of this year. This is due to migration. The Czech Statistical Office (CSO) stressed that the figures do not include Ukrainians who were granted temporary protection in their homeland due to the war conflict.

Speaker of the Czech Republic’s Chamber of Deputies, Marketa Pekarova Adamova, revealed her plans to lead a delegation to Taiwan in March. Adamova said the delegation would include Czech businesspeople, adding that the Czech government is committed to maintaining long-established partnerships.

Prague City Hall says it is not planning any New Year celebrations in the capital this year. City Hall spokesperson Vít Hofman told Czech Radio the city council does not consider it appropriate to organize celebrations this year. Among the main reasons cited are the war in Ukraine and the unfavourable economic situation of many households.