News: Monday, November 4th, 2024

Czech police begin protest against low wages, bureaucracy, and staffing shortages

On Monday, some Czech police officers launched a protest addressing low starting salaries, rising bureaucracy, and understaffing within the force. The protest, intended to last through Friday, will not compromise public safety, according to organizers. Officers plan to inform the public about their working conditions, potentially limiting ticket issuance and extending response times for non-urgent cases. The action does not involve a formal strike, as police are legally prohibited from striking. Union representative Martin Červenka noted that urgent cases will still receive prompt response. It is not certain how many policemen will take part in the protest. Another and larger protest is planned for November 21 in front of the Ministry of the Interior in Prague.

President Pavel: space activities deserve strong focus in Czechia

Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized the importance of space activities. He mentioned their potential for international cooperation at the Czech Space Week festival opening in Prague. Pavel noted that space technology impacts nearly all aspects of daily life, including precise weather forecasting crucial during recent floods. He sees space research as a high-value field where the Czech Republic can excel. Pavel and Transport Minister Martin Kupka (Civic Democratic Party) praised Czech fighter pilot Aleš Svoboda’s involvement in the European Space Agency’s program, viewing it as a significant national achievement. Kupka added that Czech participation in space helps address climate monitoring, agriculture, and transport.

Czech government unveils new website design

The Czech government’s website received a fresh design overhaul last week, replacing a 15-year-old layout. The redesign, costing nearly CZK 160,000, emerged from a public tender initiated last year. Government spokesperson Lucie Ješátková stated that the update aims to enhance clarity and user-friendliness to meet public expectations for transparent communication. The revamped site is visually modern, accessible, and functional. Additionally, state authorities have launched a competition to establish a unified visual style across central government bodies, aiming to build trust in state communication, improve national representation, and reduce costs.

Police marksmen to cull wild boars in Liberec Region to combat African swine fever

A targeted cull of wild boars in the Liberec region begins on Monday, supported by specially trained police marksmen to curb the spread of African swine fever (ASF), which continues to threaten the area. The cull will occur Monday through Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m., until December 12. Equipped with specialized rifles and night-vision ammunition, police will aim for headshots to ensure immediate kills. Forest access is restricted in some hunting areas. Surveillance with drones and thermal imaging helps locate herds, as authorities work to protect domestic pigs and prevent trade restrictions.

Lipavský praises Moldovans’ election stand against Russian disinformation

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (without party affiliation) has commended Moldovan citizens for their commitment to countering Russian disinformation and influence, following the re-election of pro-European President Maia Sandu. Posting on X, Lipavský highlighted the election as evidence of Moldovans’ desire to continue on a European path. In Sunday’s runoff, Sandu secured a ten-point lead over her opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo, with diaspora votes proving decisive. The first round, held on October 20, coincided with a referendum in which Moldovans narrowly approved a constitutional commitment to EU integration.

Weather

Weather in Czechia will be cloudy with low clouds and morning fog, with occasional drizzle. Daytime highs will range from 8 to 12 °C.