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work State passes Labor Code changes
The Czech Senate approved amendments to the Labour Code on Tuesday, extending probation periods and allowing notice to take effect upon delivery. Backed by 66 of 74 senators, the changes also permit 14-year-olds to work during summer with parental consent. Unemployment benefits will rise to 80 percent of prior earnings early in joblessness, then drop to 40 percent. The reforms aim to boost labor market flexibility and will take effect in June, pending presidential approval and official publication.
europe Senate urges action on Georgia's EU backslide
The Czech Senate this afternoon called for new parliamentary elections in Georgia, citing the country’s retreat from EU commitments under its current leadership. The resolution, backed by 64 of 73 senators, also proposed sanctions against Georgian officials for suppressing protests and targeting opposition. Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili praised the move, warning that Georgia is drifting toward Russian influence. She urged stronger European action to address what she described as a growing authoritarian threat in the region.
society Roma exclusion still exists in Czech schools
Segregation of Roma children in Czech schools remains widespread, with 130 primary schools where Roma pupils form a majority in 78, a PAQ Research study revealed Tuesday. Despite a 2007 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights condemning such discrimination, the situation has seen little change in a decade. Segregated schools exist nationwide, especially in Ústí nad Labem and Moravia-Silesia. PAQ cites factors including residential segregation, biased catchment zoning, and parental mistrust of mainstream education.
crime German, Czech police bust human trafficking ring
German and Czech police conducted coordinated raids Wednesday targeting an organized group suspected of human trafficking and forced prostitution, German news agency dpa reported. Authorities searched over 30 buildings across both countries and detained several individuals. The group is believed to have smuggled women from Vietnam into the European Union and forced them into sex work. German police carried out operations in multiple cities, including Chemnitz, Halle, Gera, Essen, Dortmund, and Kassel, as part of the ongoing investigation.
crime Italian student punished for Nazi salute in Prague
A 16-year-old Italian student has been suspended from a secondary school in Imperia, Italy, after making a Nazi salute outside a synagogue in Prague’s Jewish quarter on April 2, the school’s headmaster said. Surveillance footage confirmed the act, which occurred during a school trip. The student, who denied the gesture, will be suspended until May 19 and must attend a course by Aned, an organization of World War II deportees. The school cited medical reasons for opting against expulsion.
Politics Pro-U.S. opposition questions Trump tariffs
The Czech opposition ANO movement remains pro-American and supportive of U.S. President Donald Trump, despite criticizing new U.S. tariffs, ANO vice chairman Karel Havlíček said Monday. Party leader Andrej Babiš earlier called Trump’s tariff policy “insane.” Havlíček clarified that while ANO disagrees with the tariffs, it still views Trump as a better choice than U.S. Democrats and supports his broader policies, including on climate change.
Court Psychiatrist accused of rapes set to appeal
The appeal of psychiatrist Jan Cimický, 77, convicted of four rapes and 35 cases of sexual coercion, will be heard Tuesday by the Prague Municipal Court. Cimický, sentenced to five years in prison and banned from practicing medicine for ten years, denies all charges and will not attend the hearing. The crimes, spanning 40 years, involved patients and interns at psychiatric facilities, according to the initial verdict.
Economy Pavel warns of tariffs' impact on small nations
Czech President Petr Pavel, on a historic visit to Ghana, called for international pressure on the U.S. to reverse new tariffs, criticizing their "brutal" imposition. Speaking alongside Ghanaian President John Mahama, Pavel warned of the tariffs' impact on poorer nations. The leaders also discussed deepening economic ties, with Pavel highlighting Czech contributions to Ghana’s infrastructure and future cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, and mining.
Traffic alert Negrelli Viaduct construction enters next phase
Traffic restrictions around the Negrelli Viaduct will enter their next phase this week as repair work on the Kladno rail line continues. The second stage, which includes a full closure of the Hlávkův Bridge exit, ends Wednesday night. Upcoming phases will affect Bubenské nábřeží, Za Viaduktem Street, and Kapitán Jaroš embankment. Some traffic will be rerouted onto tram tracks, though no major complications are expected, officials said.
Culture Český Krumlov to showcase Picasso works
The Gallery of the Monasteries in Český Krumlov is showcasing around 100 works by Pablo Picasso, including paintings, drawings, ceramics, letters, and personal items, curator Vilém Kabzan said Tuesday. The year-long exhibit highlights Picasso’s range of styles and techniques. His most valuable works will be displayed individually for limited periods under armed guard, with all items on loan from private collections.
