Czech news in brief for October 9: Wednesday's top headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel will participate in a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Germany on Saturday. The group, formed by allied countries, focuses on military support and aid for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This gathering will explore further contributions and cooperation in assisting Ukraine’s defense, with key discussions on bolstering international aid efforts, according to the Castle website.

Unemployment in the Czech Republic rose to 3.9 percent in September, the highest in three years. The figure is up from last year, driven by an increase in job seekers after summer, particularly in agriculture, hospitality, and construction. Rising unemployment could pose challenges for the Czech economy as it continues to recover from recent global economic pressures

Primark is set to open its fourth Czech store in Ústí nad Labem, the retailer announced. Scheduled for Oct. 12, 2024, it will be located in Forum Ústí nad Labem shopping center. Offering affordable fashion, the store will provide a full range of products, including clothing and home goods. Primark aims to expand its presence in the Czech Republic with this new location.

According to Ales Cimbala, a spokesman for the Prague City Prosecutor's Office, employees of Prague prosecutor's offices will strike on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday over low wages, with 94 percent expected to participate. The strike will involve workers from several offices, excluding Prague 6, and will follow a similar protest by judicial staff earlier in the week. The protesters are demanding fair pay reflecting their responsibilities. Public prosecutors are not legally allowed to strike.

Health authorities report that acute respiratory infections are rising in Czechia, with Covid-19 cases at their highest this year. Over 50,000 people were treated for respiratory issues last week, including nearly 1,900 Covid-19 cases. The surge is attributed mainly to autumn’s colder weather, but officials note that the number of hospitalizations remains relatively stable despite the increase in infections.​