Morning News: Monday, March 6, 2023

Almost two-thirds of Czechs believe that Petr Pavel will make a good president, according to a survey conducted by the Median agency for Czech Radio. Close to 60 percent of respondents said they were happy with the election result. Over 70 percent of respondents said they were confident that he would represent the country well abroad.

Petr Václav’s Il Boemo about the life and career of the 18th century composer Josef Mysliveček was the big winner at the Czech Lion film awards at Prague’s Rudolfinum on Saturday night. Nominated in 11 categories, the film took six prizes, including for best film, best director and best costumes.

The international credit rating agency Fitch has affirmed the Czech Republic’s credit rating at AA-, which is one level below the highest possible level. According to the agency, the negative outlook reflects “sustained deterioration in public finances metrics and uncertainty regarding structural fiscal imbalances over the medium term.”

The Czech lower house has approved a government proposal to lower the pension increase during June indexation. The vote took place at an extraordinary Saturday session of the lower house following four days of opposition filibustering.

The Czech Philharmonic will play at the inauguration of Petr Pavel as president at Prague Castle on Friday next week, a spokesperson for the ensemble said. The event will culminate with the concert, conducted by Jakub Hrůša and also featuring the Prague Philharmonic Choir.