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Summary for: Czech news in brief for December 3: Wednesday's top morning headlines
Turek plans meeting with the President
1️⃣ Turek plans meeting with the President
Environment Minister nominee Filip Turek told reporters he will meet President Petr Pavel to clarify controversial posts and other media-related issues. Turek, currently on a delegation visit to Slovakia, denies authorship of some offensive social media content, including racist and homophobic remarks, and plans to present documents supporting his claims. Pavel has said he must fully explain the situation to be considered suitable for the ministerial post.
2️⃣ Constitutional Court to rule on job transfers
The Czech Constitutional Court is set to decide on the Supreme Court’s challenge to a Labor Code provision allowing employers to transfer employees to other jobs without consent. The Supreme Court argues the rule violates employees’ autonomy and the prohibition on forced labor, calling it a leftover from socialist-era regulations. The decision could reshape employment protections, particularly for workers unable to continue in their original roles due to health or other reasons.
3️⃣ Annual 'shoe box' drive hits 44,000 gifts
The 15th annual Shoe Box Christmas collection has registered 44,429 gifts for children in need so far, Diakonie ČCE spokesperson Dalibor Hála said. Organizers aim to reach 65,000 gifts by December 8. Donations focus on children, families in financial hardship, seniors, and people with disabilities. Supporters can give gifts, volunteer, or contribute to fundraising efforts, which have already raised over 1.7 million crowns to help families in shelters and socially excluded communities.
4️⃣ Robots now delivering food around Prague
Robots are increasingly appearing in shops and restaurants across Prague. Five robotic couriers began delivering food from a fast-food restaurant in Karlín on Tuesday, supplementing human delivery teams. Companies like Foodora and Wolt plan to expand operations. Robot waiters are already used in UGO Trade salad chain locations where space allows. Operators say the robots are intended to support staff, not replace them, reflecting growing experimentation with robotics in service sectors.
5️⃣ Crisis apartment for abuse victims opens in Prague
A new crisis apartment has opened in Prague to support women and children fleeing domestic violence. The facility, operated by proFem with Prague 6, can house three to six women and offers counseling, food, and clothing free of charge. Stays last up to seven days, extendable in urgent cases. The project addresses the country’s critical shortage of crisis housing, part of broader efforts to expand social and emergency accommodation for vulnerable groups.
