Czech news in brief for March 9: Saturday's top headlines

Strong winds are expected to impact parts of the Czech Republic through Sunday, particularly in eastern Bohemia and western Moravia. Gusts could reach speeds of 55 to 70 kilometers per hour, prompting caution from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Potential traffic disruptions and minor structural damage are anticipated, urging people to be cautious outdoors and to limit mountain activities.

A fire broke out in a hostel in Karlovy Vary early Saturday morning, leading to the evacuation of 40 people. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control. One person suffered from smoke inhalation and was taken away by medical emergency services. According to Martin Kasal, spokesperson for the regional firefighters, the fire is now contained.

Real wages in the Czech Republic will rise this year, Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura told Novinky.cz in an interview this weekend. Despite opposition and union criticism, Stanjura defends the government's financial consolidation measures, expecting voters to appreciate the resulting improvements. While acknowledging challenges, including February's budget deficit, he remains optimistic about meeting fiscal targets. Stanjura stresses the importance of simplifying the public sector salary system and urges opposition collaboration on pension reform.

Starting today, access to Prague's Barrandov Bridge from Strakonická Street will be closed due to bridge repairs until the end of summer. Drivers must use alternative routes or the Lihovar ramp. Additional traffic restrictions will also be implemented on the bridge over the coming months. This multi-year project aims to fully repair the heavily trafficked bridge. The closure affects the northern part of the road, impacting daily commuters.

Czech Mountain Rescue has issued a warning for extreme weather on Sněžka, where winds reach over 100 km/h and icy terrain poses a high risk for accidents. The upper section of the cable car is closed today due to strong winds. Officials advise using winter equipment such as non-slip shoe covers and recommend caution following recent accidents in the area. Avalanches are possible in areas over 1300 meters above sea level. Extreme caution is urged throughout the Krkonoše range.

In a Friday interview with Czech Television marking his first year in office, Czech President Petr Pavel expressed disappointment in the narrow field of candidates for U.S. president in 2024, saying Americans deserve more than just Joe Biden, “a man who has already done his job” and “dreaded” Donald Trump to choose from. He also commented on the importance of maintaining Czech-Slovak relations and said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is too encapsulated in a conservative vision of how to resolve the situation in the Middle East.

Unemployment held steady at 4 percent in the Czech Republic in February though job vacancies fell from a year ago, pointing to a softening labor market, officials said. The stable rate comes despite a 561-person rise in the number seeking work as fewer seasonal positions have opened. Analysts expect employment to remain resilient despite a weaker economy, keeping annual unemployment below 4 percent. The jobless rate varies regionally from 6 percent in Ústí to 1.5 percent in Praha-východ.

Repairs to the aging ceiling slab at Florenc metro station will shutter line C between IP Pavlova and Nádraží Holešovice this weekend, with service to resume on Monday. Replacement XC buses and tram 36 will provide alternative transit as workers demolish part of the 1.7-meter thick 1970s-era board during the reconstruction project set to wrap up next year. Passengers are urged to use available replacement services while repairs ensure continued safe operation of the critical transit hub.

As Russia's war in Ukraine continues, several embassies in Moscow, including the Czech embassy, are urging caution amid unconfirmed reports of potential extremist violence in major Russian cities. The U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and others have advised avoiding crowded areas and monitoring local news as tensions rise. The Czech embassy issued a warning on its website recommending that Czech citizens should not travel to Russia.

The 31st Czech Lion Awards ceremony will be held tonight at Prague's Rudolfinum. Historical film Brothers led nominations with 15, followed by period drama Úsvit with 12. Other top nominees include sci-fi film Bod obnovy and black comedy Přišla v noci. Famous actors will present the crystal lion statuettes honoring the past year's best in Czech cinema. Cinematographer Vladimír Smutný will receive a special award for his contributions to the industry. Brothers was previously put forth for foreign film Oscar though did not make the shortlist.