Czech news in brief for November 25: Saturday's top headlines

Several regions in the Czech Republic experienced the joy of this year's inaugural snowfall on Saturday morning as not only mountainous areas but also Mladá Boleslav and Prague were among the areas touched by the first snowflakes. In northeastern Bohemia's mountains, up to 25 centimeters of snow covered the landscape, creating ideal conditions for winter activities.

Mountain rescuers urged caution due to the snow's uneven distribution. The snowfall, reaching even lower altitudes like Mladoboleslavsk, sets the stage for a promising ski season, with freezing temperatures anticipated in the upcoming week.

In a tragic incident near the Odra River in Ostrava, a night hunting expedition for wild boars turned fatal when one of the hunters mistakenly shot a fisherman on Friday night. Despite immediate first aid attempts and emergency medical assistance, the fisherman succumbed to severe injuries.

Police investigating the case detained the hunters and seized their weapons, conducting breathalyzer tests that yielded negative results. The tragic event has prompted discussions on safety measures during hunting and the need for strict adherence to identification protocols to prevent such devastating accidents.

The average salary for non-teaching staff in Czech schools has increased substantially from CZK 15,188 in 2015 to CZK 26,512 in 2022, according to data from the Czech Ministry of Education. Still, low salaries for non-teaching staff have been highlighted in advance of Monday's strike by school unions, encompassing primary, secondary, and kindergarten schools.

Teachers, on the other hand, have seen an increase in average salary from CZK 27,809 in 2015 to CZK 48,204 in 2022 according to the Ministry's data. The strike, set for November 27, aims to secure better funding for education, oppose proposed regulations impacting teaching quality, and prevent salary reductions for non-teaching staff.

Czech parliament heads Markéta Pekarová Adamová and Miloš Vystrčil paid tribute to Ukrainian famine victims during their visit to Kyiv today. Amid an air raid alert, the politicians, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and legislature head Ruslan Stefanchuk, lit candles at the memorial for the 1932-1933 Great Famine.

Last year, the Czech Parliament declared the famine a Soviet-era genocide. Pekarová Adamová stated the ongoing Russian aggression reflects historical patterns, emphasizing the importance of recalling the famine's true nature amid disinformation. The visit aligns with continued support for Ukraine against Russian aggression amid EU accession talks.

Tennis player Kateřina Siniaková has parted ways with longtime doubles partner Barbora Krejčíková and will team up with Storm Hunter for doubles at the Australian Open in January. The decision to end her collaboration with Krejčíková came after the duo, Olympic champions from Tokyo, lost in the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup.

Hunter, an Australian who closed the season as the world number one in doubles, expressed excitement about the upcoming partnership, emphasizing their friendship and a mutual desire for change. The Siniaková-Krejčíková pair had a successful history, having won seven WTA titles together, fifth-most of all time.

Ewa Farna won the Czech Nightengale (Český slavík) award for Best Female Singer at the 61st annual music awards, presented at Prague's Karlín Forum on Friday evening. Last year's winner, Lucie Bílá, took second place, while Monika Absolonová took third.

Other winners, chosen by public vote, mirrored rankings from the previous year, with Kabát named best band and Marek Ztracený winning top male singer. Farna, voted best overall performer by fans, expressed joy for her sold-out concert season. Václav Neckář joined the Czech Nightingale Hall of Fame, while Tereza Balonová won Discovery of the Year.

The Czech Health Ministry and World Health Organization (WHO) have advised caution for Czechs in, or traveling to, China due to a new outbreak of viral infections causing respiratory illnesses. Precautions include vaccination, avoiding contact with sick individuals, staying home when unwell, wearing masks, regular handwashing, and ensuring proper ventilation. 

The virus primarily affects children, causing pneumonia. While WHO expressed concern over rising respiratory diseases in China, they note that a new pathogen has not been detected. Health Minister Vlastimil Válek said on Thursday that little was known about the new virus from China, though urged calm.

U.S. financial services firm Moody's has upgraded the Czech Republic's economic rating outlook from negative to stable, citing reduced risk linked to Russian gas supplies. The country's shift to alternative gas sources and lowered gas demand by households and businesses contributed to this change. 

According to Moody’s, fiscal consolidation (policy to reduce debt) of around 2 percent of GDP over two years stabilizes the country's debt burden. Furthermore, proposed pension reforms aiming to restrain costs from an aging population have increased Czechia’s rating. Relatively strong growth dynamics, increasing levels of wealth, a competitive economy, and high-quality institutions also underpin the rating upgrade.

Representative of the Prague 1 district Pavel Čižinský has announced he will file a criminal complaint against Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda in the saga of the new no-go night zone for vehicles in the Old Town. On Friday, Prague 1 announced a new area that was intended to ban motor vehicles’ entry to parts of the Old Town (including the Jewish Quarter and Dlouhá Street) at night. 

Svoboda’s decision to immediately invalidate the parking signs rested on him wanting to further discuss the no-go zone with authorities. According to Čižinský, Svoboda has no legal right or power to nullify the entry restrictions, as the district of Prague 1 had prior approval from the police and Prague administrative road authority.

The City of Prague’s driver’s register in Nusle will specially open until 1 p.m. today to give drivers a chance to renew their licenses before expiry. According to the City of Prague, around 36,500 driving licenses still need to be renewed before their expiry at the end of this year. 

This is the second November extension: one had already occurred on Nov. 11. Director of Prague City Hall Martin Kubelka has urged members of the public to renew the license online, as it is quicker and simpler. This can be done on the official state Transport Portal.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized Friday the significance of strong Czech-Slovak relations following talks with Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Prague. Discussions centered on cooperation in energy, transport, security, and defense, affirming a commitment to regular joint government meetings. 

Czech President Petr Pavel highlighted the priority of fostering good relations between both nations, setting aside pre-election rhetoric that was at times tense. He stressed Slovakia's importance as an ally in the EU and NATO, aiming to bolster economic and political ties. With the exception of the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine, which Slovakia rejects under the new government, the two countries have similar positions, Fico stressed.

The Czech Nightingale annual music awards announced Ewa Farna as 2023’s top female singer Friday night, while last year's winner, Lucie Bílá, claimed second place. Marek Ztracený clinched the lead among male singers and Vojtěch Dyk finished second. In the group category, hard rock band Kabát triumphed, followed by Mirai and Kryštof. Tereza Balonová received the Discovery of the Year award. 

Among hip-hoppers and rap artists, Calin – originally from Moldova – won ahead of ATMO music and Marp. The award for most popular song on Rádio Impuls, the biggest radio station in Czechia, was “Hory” by the O5 and Radeček group.