Czech news in brief for November 8: Wednesday's top headlines

Unemployment in the Czech Republic fell by one-tenth of a percentage point in October compared to September and returned to 3.5 percent. There have been fewer people without work and job vacancies, according to data published today by the Labor Office of the Czech Republic. Analysts were surprised by the decrease in unemployment given the declining economy.

Unemployment in the Czech Republic was 3.5 percent in July, and in the following two months, it was a tenth of a percentage point higher. Last October, the unemployment rate in the Czech Republic was also 3.5 percent. According to the Labor Office of the Czech Republic, this year's October unemployment is the lowest compared to the countries of the EU.

Actor Keanu Reeves, known for his role in The Matrix trilogy, will perform with his band Dogstar at the Rock for People festival in Hradec Králové next year. Festival director Michal Thomes said the performance promises to be an "unforgettable experience" for music and film fans.

The celebrity bassist is among numerous international musicians, including Avril Lavigne, scheduled to play the June event. The festival takes place from June 12-15, 2024. Other Hollywood actors like Steven Seagal and Russell Crowe have also taken the Czech stage in recent years to showcase their musical talents.

On Thursday morning, stargazers in the Czech Republic will be able to observe the rare event of Venus passing in front of the moon. The angular distance between the two bodies will decrease as the moon appears to slowly cover Venus from Earth's view. 

Astronomers say the planetary conjunction can be viewed with the naked eye until around 11 a.m. under clear skies. Telescopes or binoculars will provide an even closer look at Venus as a glowing oval shape. The entire event from first contact to exit will last over an hour for those watching from Prague.

A recent survey by Bank Creditas reveals that half of Czechs save up to CZK 2,000 monthly, while one in six can only set aside CZK 500. In terms of overall savings, half of respondents have total savings of below CZK 100,000 – even among those nearing retirement. Almost half admitted their savings wouldn't cover a three-month income shortfall.

One in three Czechs has between CZK 100,000 to CZK 500,000 (in cash) in savings, and 10 percent have over CZK 1 million. The survey also revealed that many Czechs don't manage their savings optimally, with 70 percent holding cash or checking accounts rather than investing in long-term options like funds. 

A 36-year-old Czech man has been charged by a Czech court for igniting the largest wildfire in modern Czech history, which occurred in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in 2022. He's accused of endangering public safety and damaging property, potentially facing a 15-year prison term if convicted. In April 2023, he started additional fires in the same area.

The prosecuting attorney has recommended a 12-year prison sentence and institutional treatment. The man, a former park guardian, is in custody. Although he admitted partial guilt, his motive remains unclear. The extensive fire in July 2022 covered approximately 1,000 hectares, and it took 20 days to extinguish it, with challenges posed by drought, high temperatures, strong winds, and difficult terrain.

The Czech Senate has approved an extension of the mandate to train Ukrainian soldiers in the Czech Republic until the end of 2024. This extension also covers most of the Czech military's foreign missions for the next year. Defense Minister Jana Černochová stressed the importance of supporting Ukrainian soldiers facing Russian aggression. 

The Senate vote saw 71 members of parliament in favor of the motion, one against, and two abstentions. The government's proposal permits not only Ukrainian soldiers, but also those from EU and NATO member states to stay in Czechia, with a limit of 800 foreign personnel. NATO instructors can also participate in training outside the EU Assistance Mission to Ukraine.

In the opening match of the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals 2023, the Czech tennis team secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Switzerland in the 60th edition of the women's national team competition. Led by captain Petr Pála, the Czechs triumphed against the defending champions, even as Swiss number one Belinda Bencicová withdrew due to pregnancy.

Linda Nosková secured the first point in a challenging match against Céline Naefová, followed by Maria Bouzková's win against Viktoria Golubicová. The Czech team sealed their victory with a doubles win by Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková. Next, they face the USA in Seville on Friday.

The Czech Senate is set to approve a consolidation package of measures, primarily focused on tax-related changes, with the government aiming to improve the state budget over the next two years. Despite one of three Senate committees recommending approval without changes, coalition representatives anticipate overall Senate support for the package. The Senate Constitutional and Legal Committee approved the package without modifications, while the Senate Committee on Public Administration seeks adjustments to municipal tax allocations and the exemption of gas for metallurgy from the natural gas tax.

The government's goal is to consolidate public finances and reduce the state budget's structural deficit by approximately CZK 150 billion over the next two years, partially through this package and also through government power reductions. Additionally, the Senate will discuss foreign military mission plans for the next year and an amendment related to the gradual launch of the e-Legislativa electronic legal regulations system.

Over 700,000 people worldwide opt for voluntary euthanasia each year, while the World Health Organization estimates about 20 times as many attempt suicide. In the Czech Republic, there has been a declining trend in suicides in recent years; however, last year saw an increase compared to 2019, predating the pandemic. Experts suggest the causes of suicide are complex and influenced by various factors, including the impact of Covid-19, conflicts like the one in Ukraine, mental health issues, and socio-economic conditions.

The suicide rate in the Czech Republic remains four times higher for men than women, and suicide ranks as the second most common cause of death among those aged 15-24, after accidents. The increase in suicides in the majority of Czech districts in 2020 will be examined in the coming years to determine if it is a temporary fluctuation or part of a growing trend. Despite more suicide attempts by women, men are more likely to complete the act.

Early this morning, Greenpeace activists staged a protest at the Ministry of Agriculture in Prague, unfurling a banner reading "Ministry of felling old forests" and placing paper helmets on statues above the entrance, along with models of chainsaws. About two dozen demonstrators gathered to oppose the logging of old forests in the Czech Republic, including state-owned woodlands.

Greenpeace emphasized the importance of old-growth forests for biodiversity and climate protection. They called on Agriculture Minister Marek Výborny to halt the logging and support greater protection for specific old forests. In October, Greenpeace revealed that old beech trees were being harvested for firewood and paper production.

Children and young people under 18 in the Czech Republic have the opportunity to voice their views on the country's child-friendliness via a UNICEF survey available on their website. Taking less than ten minutes to complete, the initiative aims to demonstrate that their opinions matter and can shape the nation's future.

The survey's findings will be presented to President Petr Pavl on World Children's Day, Nov. 20, by the winners of this year's Child of the Czech Republic survey. With young people representing a quarter of the population, UNICEF aims to prioritize their perspectives in decision-making, and the winners will spend a day with the President discussing the survey results.