Czech news in brief for November 4: Monday's top headlines

The Czech Republic's Wine Union reported that winemakers will release 1.93 million bottles of St. Martin’s wine this year, a third less than usual, due to adverse weather conditions including April frosts and summer droughts. Wine Union President Ondřej Beránek and Wine Fund Director Zbyněk Vičar said that, despite lower yields, winemakers achieved high quality. Prices remain steady, and 310 varieties will be available from November 8, with Müller Thurgau among the most popular.

Czech President Petr Pavel congratulated Moldovan President Maia Sandu on her re-election, affirming that it demonstrates the resilience of democracy under challenging conditions. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský highlighted Sandu's victory as a testament to Moldovans' resolve against Russian disinformation. Sandu defeated Alexandr Stoianoglo, supported by the pro-Russian Socialist Party, in Sunday’s election. Pavel emphasized that this victory holds significance beyond Moldova.

At the Czech Space Week opening in Prague, President Petr Pavel emphasized the importance of space technology, which impacts nearly all aspects of life and presents strong opportunities for international collaboration. He noted that satellite data had improved weather forecasts during September’s floods, minimizing potential harm. Pavel described space research as a high-value field where Czechia has much to offer, viewing it as a promising area for future growth.

The Czech State Health Institute (SZÚ) reported 12 deaths from whooping cough, mostly among seniors, this year. Although new infections have slowed, over 34,000 cases have emerged since January, marking the highest count since the 1950s. SZÚ spokeswoman Štěpánka Čechová advised seniors, particularly those in care facilities, to consider vaccinations against pertussis, influenza, Covid-19, and pneumococcal infections due to their higher susceptibility to complications. Young children without full vaccinations are also at risk.

Cabinet spokeswoman Lucie Jesátková announced that the Czech government website received a long-anticipated redesign last week, replacing a 15-year-old, outdated version. The revamp cost nearly CZK 160,000, including VAT, and aims to make the site more user-friendly, visually clear, and accessible. Jesátková noted that this redesign reflects public expectations for clear communication. Soon, all state authorities will adopt a unified visual style through a competition launched by the Foreign, Industry and Trade, and Regional Development ministries.

Over 920,000 Czechs lack a general practitioner, including 131,000 children, the Ministry of Health reports. With 40 percent of GPs over 60 years old, and retirement imminent, efforts are being made to address the issue by training 1,667 new doctors in the field. However, the Association of General Practitioners highlights the challenge of attracting new doctors to certain regions.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts a chilly week ahead, with temperatures nearing freezing. Monday will start partly cloudy with fog, temperatures ranging from -3°C at night to 12°C during the day. Tuesday and Wednesday will be cloudier with daytime highs of 4-8°C. Sunshine returns Thursday, with highs reaching 12°C. The weekend will be partly clear, with fog and nighttime lows between -1°C and 3°C.

Police officers in České Budějovice will hold a protest against the lack of personnel, bureaucratic hurdles, and low starting salaries. The organizers state that the protest will not jeopardize public safety and will consist of educational activities aimed at informing the public about the situation. It remains uncertain how many officers will participate; the protest is expected to last until Friday.

China has asked the Czech government to mediate in its dispute with the European Union over tariffs on electric cars. The EU recently imposed countervailing duties of up to 35 percent, totaling about 45 percent with existing duties, on Chinese electric vehicles, alleging unfair subsidies. China’s Deputy Trade Minister Ling Jia, in discussions with a Czech delegation, expressed interest in bolstering trade and cooperation amid the ongoing dispute.

Fishermen in Jistebník began harvesting the Bezruč pond, the largest breeding pond in the region. They expect weaker results this year due to some fish being washed away by a flood in September. The total fish losses will be calculated in a few months. The executive of the company Chov ryb Jistebník, Jan Stehlík, stated that the catch will not be completely bad, but greater losses are expected. The prices for carp, bigmouth bass, and perch have not changed.