Czech news in brief for November 9: Thursday's top headlines

Nestlé has announced that it will discontinue production of its iconic rum pralines by Orion, which have been available in Czechia and Czechoslovakia for decades. The Zora plant in Olomouc, where the chocolates were made, is ceasing production due to declining consumer interest. 

The renowned chocolate pralines – originally filled with rum and later with a rum-like flavoring – are being sold off in stores as the company shifts its portfolio. Nestlé's spokesperson cited the necessity to remove products with waning popularity, expressing confidence that consumers will explore their other offerings. The tradition of crafting the treats dates back to 1965.

ANO party leader and former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš today voiced opposition to Ukraine joining the EU, citing inadequate conditions and high corruption levels. Analysts suggest this stance may target radical voters as part of ANO's overall strategy to accrue voters. 

In a recent video posted on Facebook, Babiš rejected Ukraine's EU membership, expressing concerns about potential changes in the Union's dynamics post-enlargement. He emphasized Ukraine's failure to meet its current admission criteria. His remarks come in response to the European Commission's recent recommendation, which clarifies that Ukraine's entry into the EU is not imminent.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Ghanaian Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia today affirmed their commitment to ongoing defense cooperation, highlighting the supply of L-39NG aircraft and Czech firearms to Ghana. Fiala identified mining and energy as promising new sectors for collaboration. 

Speaking at the Ghanaian-Czech business forum, Fiala emphasized elevating economic relations to a new level and praised Ghana's role in regional stability. Fiala outlined existing projects, including military equipment supply and pilot training. He commended Ghana's economic reforms and proposed negotiations for a new air transport agreement.

Prague is heightening security for the Europa League clash between Slavia and AS Rome, considering it a risky match. Hundreds of police, including an anti-conflict team, will oversee AS Rome fans congregating at Old Town Square before heading to the 6: 45 p.m. fixture at Slavia Prague's stadium.

Jan Daněk, Prague police spokesman, disclosed these precautions, emphasizing the need for vigilance. The proactive measures aim to ensure public safety and prevent potential disturbances during the gathering and the match. Authorities are taking preemptive steps to manage the high-profile event and maintain order, recognizing the challenges associated with passionate football fanbases.

Catholic bishops are looking for more exorcists in their dioceses, as stated by the new president of the International Association of Exorcists (AIE), Czech Catholic priest Karel Orlita. 

He emphasizes that exorcists shouldn't be seen as “wizards,” but as contributors to enhancing the Christian life of believers. Bishops aim to appoint one or two exorcists per diocese, but currently lack suitable candidates. Orlita highlights that being an exorcist requires more than theological training; individuals must be authorized by the bishop. The AIE has 900 registered members globally, with 13 in the Czech Republic.

Czech news site Seznam Zprávy has reported that militants from terrorist organization Hamas on Oct. 7 attacked southern Israel using paragliding equipment from Czech company Nirvana Systems. U.S. organization United Against Nuclear Iran revealed this information. Nirvana Systems owner Pavel Březina expressed bewilderment about how the equipment reached Gaza, when asked by journalists.

The company had a past partner in Iran, but currently Nirvana Systems no longer collaborates with the Tehran Aviation School. Reports suggest Hamas members trained with powered paragliders in Malaysia, where Nirvana Systems operates.

The Senate approved the government's consolidation package, aimed at improving the state budget by up to CZK 150 billion over two years. President Petr Pavel will sign the set of tax changes, with a 15-day veto option. The President, previously supportive, had welcomed efforts to consolidate public finances.

The bill, passed with 53 of 74 senators in favor, underwent seven hours of debate. Some senators criticized changes in tax allocations to municipalities, and there were proposals for VAT rate adjustments. Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura defended the package, emphasizing its balance. The Senate also adopted accompanying resolutions praising budget consolidation efforts.

A study by the National Institute SYRI reveals that one-fifth of Czech teachers experience physical exhaustion, with 6 percent meeting burnout syndrome criteria. Stressors include student behavior, workload, administrative burdens, and challenging parent communication. Burnout poses a significant risk, exacerbated by difficulties balancing work and family. Quality school management significantly influences teacher satisfaction. Of 1,768 surveyed teachers, two-thirds were women.

The study emphasizes the psychologically demanding nature of teaching, with teachers generally satisfied with their skills but least content with financial remuneration. Positive psychological capital, encompassing qualities like optimism and resilience, positively affects teachers' health at work across various school levels.

Economist Lukáš Kovanda predicts a marginal 5-10 percent increase in prices for Christmas baking this year, contrasting it with last year's dramatic rise. Christmas tree prices are expected to remain the same as last year, with sellers having no reason to raise them. Carp prices should also see a maximum 10 percent increase.

Czechs are projected to spend around CZK 65 billion on Christmas, averaging CZK 13,500 per family, while 20-25 percent of households may struggle due to high prices and financial constraints.

A Wednesday rally in Prague, organized by Not in Our Name! - For a Just Peace in the Middle East, gathered around 200 people in the center of Prague to support Palestinian rights. The group accused Israel of committing war crimes and state terrorism in Gaza under the pretext of self-defense. Speakers also criticized some Czech media for biased coverage.

The pro-Palestinian protest remained peaceful, moving from Wenceslas Square to Old Town Square. The Czech government and President Petr Pavel previously expressed unequivocal support for Israel's right to self-defense after the Hamas attack. Ongoing pro-Israeli demonstrations have taken place in Prague in response to Hamas attacks in October.

The Czech Health Ministry's proposal to guarantee doctors' salaries not dropping below a certain level, instead of implementing pay scale rises starting January 2024, has been rejected by doctors and trade unions. The plan aimed to prevent salary reductions but was opposed for its limited applicability to certain doctors.

Protestors seek changes to the amended Labour Code, doubling the maximum voluntary overtime hours to 832, impacting 24-hour hospital shifts. Doctors have withdrawn from overtime agreements, warning of potential reductions in elective care. Discussions continue on a special law for healthcare remuneration by 2025 and a national plan for health sector human resources.

The Municipal Court in Prague overturned a decision by immigration police to expel 22-year-old Russian, Nikita Niagu, whose residence permit expired. The court found that police failed to consider the potential danger Niagu faced in Russia due to his anti-war stance and the country's mobilization.

Niagu, who arrived in the Czech Republic in 2019, claimed disagreement with Putin's regime and fear of conscription. The court ruled police must reevaluate the case, rejecting the suggestion to move to another EU country. Niagu, currently in Russia, expressed injustice. Lawyers suggest Russians opposing military service could apply for asylum in the Czech Republic.