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Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan has announced that Czech firefighters and police officers are to receive a 2,500 crown increase in their salary, following a meeting between Minister Rakušan and representatives of police, firefighter and other security unions this morning to discuss wage increases and a reduction in administrative duties. The increase comprises the 1,500 crowns already promised for workers' pay grades, and an additional 1,000 crowns as a contribution to salary stabilisation.
The unions were pressing for a 10% pay raise, which they claim Rakušan previously promised, and calling for relief from excessive bureaucratic burdens. The unions were threatening a protest on November 21st if their demands were not met with solid guarantees. Union leader Aleš Lehký emphasised that members need better compensation, noting that other government sectors received a 6.9% raise. Union representatives also highlighted a rising turnover among police, with many leaving due to low wages and increased bureaucratic demands.
The Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský is heading to London for a two-day visit, where he will meet with his UK counterpart, David Lammy, to discuss bilateral relations, the conflict in Ukraine, and current foreign policy issues. Later, he will attend the ceremony of the Magnitsky Human Rights Awards, an award he himself received two years ago. On Friday, Lipavský will meet Nick Catsaras, Deputy National Security Adviser, and present the Gratias Agit Award to the historian and writer George Edward Scott for his work on the legacy of Czechoslovak war veterans. At University College London, he will also take part in a discussion with students on Czech foreign policy and the role of collective memory.
The Czech government has endorsed a proposed ban on the sale and serving of energy drinks to children under 15. The initiative aims to protect children from the adverse effects of stimulants commonly found in these drinks. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný noted that technical and legislative adjustments are still needed, including a definition of the term "energy drink" in Czech law.
The proposed restrictions would prohibit sales in healthcare facilities, schools, child welfare centres, and events for children under 15. Advertising targeting children and promoting excessive consumption or claims of social or health benefits would also be restricted. The Ministry of Health could establish guidelines on content and packaging. Industry groups oppose the measure, suggesting education over prohibition.
Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (Mayors and Independents) met with President Petr Pavel at Prague Castle today to discuss, among other issues, the extensive investigation of the Vrbětice incident in 2014, when munitions depot explosions blamed on Russian agents caused two fatalities. The Ministry of the Interior previously confirmed its commitment to completing the investigation in collaboration with other ministries and the Zlín region. Following today's meeting, Minister Rakušan announced that a working group will be established that will deal with ensuring the security of the area in Vrbětice.
The Dvořák Trio, joined by guest violist Jiří Kabát, will inaugurate the 30th annual Bohuslav Martinů Days festival today at Prague's Liechtenstein Palace. The opening concert will present a selection of chamber works by composers Bedřich Smetana and Bohuslav Martinů, celebrating the Year of Czech Music. The festival will run until December 7th.
Every year that ends in the number 4 is recognised as a Year of Czech Music, honouring anniversaries of notable Czech composers, such as Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, Bohuslav Martinů and Josef Suk.
A rufous rat-kangaroo joey has been born in the zoo in Olomouc, in the Svatý Kopeček district of the city, which has been breeding these small marsupials since 2022. According to the keepers, the joey is doing well and is most likely a female.
The first two male rufous rat-kangaroos were brought to Olomouc Zoo in 2022. A female joined them a few months ago. Females are pregnant for 22 to 24 days, and give birth to one young, which she carries in her pouch for 16 weeks. The rufous rat-kangaroo is included in a separate group of four-toed marsupials. It lives in grasslands, scrublands and sparse forests in the northeast of Australia. Along with some other species, experts consider them to belong to a sister group to true kangaroos.
Tomorrow's weather will be cloudy to overcast, with occasional drizzle at first, light rain in the east and some snowfall above 1000m. In the afternoon and evening, clouds will slowly disappear. Highest temperatures will be between 5 to 9°C.
Prague Castle announced that on Saturday, November 30, visitors will have free access to the castle’s majestic staterooms, along with a rare opportunity to explore both the historic halls where Czech presidents meet international dignitaries. This special event promises a festive experience open to families and solo travelers alike in the heart of Prague.
Eighty years ago, U.S. pilot William L. Kiggins was killed during a combat mission over Brno, becoming the only American soldier to die in the Moravian capital during World War II. On Wednesday, the American Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Bijan Sabet received the skeletal remains found at the crash site a few years ago, believed to belong to the pilot.
As the holiday season draws near, Czech households face a bitter challenge to their holiday baking traditions: soaring butter prices. With a 40% year-on-year increase, the cost of butter reached over 70 crowns in some stores. Some, including Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný, have raised concerns about possible price manipulation.
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