News: Wednesday, November 13th, 2024

Czech ministers split on proposed energy drink sales ban for children

Czech ministers are divided over a proposed ban on energy drink sales to children under 15, with some supporting the measure and others skeptical of its impact. The bill, which aims to regulate energy drinks similarly to alcohol and cigarettes, would require age verification for online and vending machine sales. The government will discuss it at its Wednesday meeting. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný (Christian Democrats) strongly supports the ban, citing health risks to young people. However, Transport Minister Martin Kupka (Civic Demorats) questions whether such regulation will be effective. The proposal also includes limits on energy drink sales in schools and youth events, but industry groups argue for education rather than restrictions.

PM Fiala praises nuclear energy at COP29 in Baku, offers to share Czech expertise

At the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) emphasized the importance of innovation, international collaboration, and global action to tackle the climate crisis. He highlighted nuclear energy as a safe, clean power source and offered to share Czech expertise, drawing on over 50 years of experience.  Fiala stressed the severe impact of climate change, referencing recent floods across Europe, and argued that nuclear power is essential for meeting climate goals. He also commended the EU's commitment to leading international cooperation and noted the willingness of other global players to engage in climate action, despite the absence of some major leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping.

Czech government approves criminal law reform emphasizing fines over incarceration

The Czech government approved a major reform of criminal law focusing on alternative punishments, including fines, and partially decriminalizing certain offenses, Justice Minister Pavel Blažek (Civic Deocratic Party) announced. The reform also loosens restrictions on cannabis cultivation and possession.

Blažek stated that the current penal system is outdated and misaligned with EU standards, and the changes aim to relieve overcrowded prisons, streamline legal proceedings, reduce reoffending, and cut state expenses. Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the reform essential, with the government planning to implement it by the end of its term.

Poll: Only 20% of Czechs happy with state of the economy

Only 20% of Czechs see the country’s economic situation in a positive light, according to the outcome of a poll conducted by the CVVM agency. Some 45% rate it as poor, and the remainder hold a neutral stance.

However, 64% of respondents feel positively about their household's standard of living, indicating a contrast between personal economic experiences and the broader national outlook.

Although negative views on the economy still dominate, they have decreased since early 2024, when 58% rated the situation poorly.

The poll shows that those who support Prime Minister Petr Fiala's government are more likely to view the economy favorably, while only 10% of government sceptics share this view.

Appeals court awards higher compensation to former dissident Jiří Wonka

The Prague appeals court has awarded former dissident Jiří Wonka over CZK 41,000 in compensation for injuries inflicted by the Communist police officers in the 1980s. The decision comes 35 years after the fall of the Communist regime and is final, and Wonka will not be required to pay legal fees. Originally, the state granted Wonka around CZK 4,100, an amount the Constitutional Court deemed unreasonably low this summer. Wonka had sought CZK 93,000 in total and filed suit against the Ministry of Justice. A representative from the ministry was absent at the hearing, and the ministry’s response is pending.

Government to discuss extending state of danger in flood-hit Moravian-Silesian region

On Wednesday, the Czech government will consider extending the state of danger for areas in the Moravian-Silesian region affected by September floods, which severely impacted the town of Vrbno pod Pradědem. Mayor Petr Kopínec (ANO Party) told Czech Radio that the extension would aid in the faster processing of initial repairs. Since the state of danger was declared, the town has restored two kilometers of roads, rebuilt 300 meters of damaged sewage and water infrastructure, and provided temporary solutions for disrupted water supply. As winter approaches, ensuring water systems are protected from freezing is a top priority for the municipality.

Weather

Weather in Czechia will be cloudy to overcast on Thursday. Occasional light rain, more frequent in parts of Bohemia during the day. Highs temperatures between 2 and 6°C.