News: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

Council of Europe highlights Czechia’s efforts in supporting Ukrainian refugee children

The Council of Europe has published a report addressing the challenges of hosting Ukrainian children and highlighting good practices in countries like Czechia, which has taken in 7% of displaced Ukrainians. Czechia, with the highest ratio of refugees per capita among surveyed countries, among other measures, introduced simplified school enrolment procedures and required compulsory schooling in 2024 to support integration. The report praises Czechia’s provision of 700 teaching assistant roles for Ukrainian staff and initiatives like the "Our Ukrainians" platform. Other measures include language courses, teacher training, and psychological support. The Ukrainian Bookshelf project further helps preserve cultural identity of the refugee children in Czechia.

MPs debate budget and vote on laws today

Members of the Chamber of Deputies will resume discussions on next year’s state budget Wednesday afternoon, entering its second reading. This phase allows MPs to propose reallocations within the budget, with over 60 amendments listed on the parliamentary website as of Tuesday. The budget envisions a deficit of 241 billion CZK, 41 billion less than this year’s revised budget. It has become a subject of major political battle between the government and opposition.

MPs are also scheduled to vote on several laws, including one on social integration enterprises to support disadvantaged workers and a bill easing regulations for small breweries. A pending amendment to improve conditions for doctoral students is also expected to be addressed.

Pavel to discuss budget concerns with Fiala and Stanjura in December

President Petr Pavel is set to discuss his concerns about the draft state budget for next year with Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (both Civic Democratic Party) after December 7. The meeting will take place following his return from an overseas trip and the third reading of the proposal in the Chamber of Deputies. In an interview with Blesk newspaper, Pavel stated he has not yet decided whether to veto or approve the budget. He aims to ensure any decision addresses shortcomings while avoiding interim measures such as a provisional budget. Pavel will also consult advisors before finalizing his stance.

Czechs' debt rises by 8.2% to 3.53 trillion CZK

Debt levels among Czech residents increased by 8.2% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2024, reaching 3.53 trillion CZK, according to data from the Banking and Non-Banking Client Information Registers. Consumer debt rose to 605 billion CZK, up 6.9%, with unpaid consumer loans increasing by 15% to 27.9 billion CZK. Younger borrowers face growing difficulties, with 14% of those under 24 unable to meet their obligations. Housing debt climbed to 2.92 trillion CZK, largely due to high property prices, while the average housing loan per borrower increased by 36% to 4.54 million CZK.

Unions expect 2,000 security force members to join protest

Unions estimate that around 1,500 to 2,000 police officers, firefighters, and members of other security forces will join a protest on Thursday outside the Ministry of the Interior. Organized by the Union of Security Forces (UBS), the demonstration highlights low wages and staffing issues. Despite Interior Minister Vít Rakušan’s promise to raise salaries by 2,500 CZK, unions remain dissatisfied.

UBS Vice-Chair Aleš Lehký confirmed buses are coming from cities like Liberec, Brno, and Ostrava, with a train carriage reserved for 80 firefighters from Plzeň. Protesters demand better pay structures and less bureaucracy, as some officers reportedly struggle to make ends meet and leave within three years of joining.

Environment demonstrators in Bílina mine ordered to pay damages to mining company

Several dozen participants in a 2018 demonstration at the Bílina coal mine in Northern Bohemia have been ordered to pay damages to Severočeské doly mining company for losses caused by halting operations. The Regional Court in Ústí nad Labem upheld a lower court's ruling, confirming damages of about 660,000 CZK, along with court costs. The verdict is final, with only a supreme appeal possible. Around 300 activists protested coal mining, with some leaving the designated route and others occupying a coal excavator. No property damage occurred, but a 12-hour suspension in operations resulted in losses. Police intervened, issuing fines and warnings to 91 protesters.

Weather

Variable, mostly heavy cloud cover with snow showers in most areas, and mixed precipitation at altitudes below 300 meters. Daytime high temperatures ranging from -1 to +3 °C.