Czech news in brief for October 3: Thursday's top headlines

Scientist Radek Zbořil and researchers from Olomouc, Ostrava, and China have developed a new antibiotic using manganese anchored in chemically modified graphene. Effective against even the most resistant bacteria, this material poses no harm to human cells and prevents bacteria from developing resistance. Tested successfully on animal models, it shows promise for local therapies like wound healing. The UN estimates that if bacterial resistance continues to rise at its current pace, untreatable infections from multi-resistant bacteria could become the leading cause of death by 2050.

The Czech House of Representatives has temporarily postponed debate on the government’s pension reform after 10 hours of discussion, but plans to continue talks tonight. The opposition raised concerns about intergenerational fairness and the need for supporting both elderly care and families. Minister of Labor Marian Jurečka, who promises that the retirement age will not exceed 67, defended policies like increasing the care allowance and targeted maternity benefits.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Chairman of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions Josef Středula have announced an agreement to increase salaries in the public sector by CZK 1,400 next year. The unions will cancel their strike contingency and negotiations are still ongoing for workers in the education sector. Fiala believes the agreement is a good solution that will not affect the state budget and will result in fair salary increases for all.

The Czech Education Ministry's data shows that the situation for Roma children in Czech schools is not improving, according to Ombudsman Stanislav Kreček. The European Commission has called on the Czech Republic to stop discriminating against Roma children, as the country is not complying with EU laws on combating racial and ethnic discrimination.

Lukáš Vlček, nominated for Minister of Industry and Trade, supports the EU's Green Deal and aims to push for renewable energy in Czechia. After meeting Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Vlček emphasized the importance of completing existing energy projects and fostering international cooperation. If approved by the president, Vlček will succeed Jozef Síkela, who is moving to the European Commission. Key priorities include affordable energy and foreign investment.

The EU's unemployment rate fell to 5.9 percent in August, while the eurozone held steady at 6.4 percent, according to Eurostat. The Czech Republic reported the lowest unemployment in the EU at 2.6 percent. Year-on-year comparisons showed a slight decrease in unemployment for both the eurozone and the EU. Spain had the highest unemployment at 11.3 percent. Youth unemployment in the EU dropped to 14.3 percent, impacting 2.766 million young people.

Brno's Constitutional Court ruled that retroactive alimony should be the standard when a change in circumstances, such as a child's increased costs, occurs. Alimony may be awarded up to three years retroactively from the start of legal proceedings. The court emphasized that alimony is a child's entitlement, and delays in filing for an increase should not penalize minors. The ruling applies to two unrelated cases.

The Czech government supports an amendment to limit postponements of compulsory schooling, requiring a doctor’s recommendation for deferral. It also approved state funding for school psychologists and special educators, focusing on mental health and learning support. University budgets will rise by CZK 1 billion this year. Other reforms include changes to elementary grading and teacher training. The proposals aim for gradual implementation starting in 2025.

The grape harvest in South Moravia concluded early this year due to high August temperatures. Winemakers report yields are lower than usual, with some vineyards experiencing up to 20 percent losses from spring frost. While large wineries like Znovín Znojmo are wrapping up, smaller ones have already finished. Quality remains good despite reduced acidity levels, but some vineyards reported dry, small berries, making it one of the weakest harvests in a decade.