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Summary for: Czech news in brief for November 1: Saturday's top morning headlines
Next govt. aims to rebuild ties with V4 group
1️⃣ Incoming Czech government aims to rebuild ties with V4 group
Czechia’s incoming coalition of ANO, SPD, and the Motorists plans to prioritize restoring relations within the Visegrad Group and advancing national interests, according to its draft policy statement. The parties pledge loyalty to the EU and NATO but stress sovereignty and a “realistic” foreign policy. The new government also plans to abolish the post of minister for European affairs.
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2️⃣ Critics warn ending TV and radio fees would harm democracy
Nine public figures, including former ombudsman Anna Šabatová and ex-Senate speaker Petr Pithart, warned that the new coalition’s plan to abolish license fees for Czech Television and Czech Radio would “liquidate” public media and threaten democracy. The ANO, SPD, and Motorists parties propose shifting funding to the state budget but have not detailed how independence would be preserved.
3️⃣ Czech hare populations are sharply declining
Hare populations in Czechia have declined sharply in recent decades, falling from 549,821 in 1987 to 255,916 last year, the Czech-Moravian Hunting Association reports. Chairman Jiří Janota says recovery requires closer cooperation between hunters and farmers, habitat creation, and predator control. Current hunting is limited and targeted, and methods like releasing hares from breeding facilities can only support existing populations rather than restore numbers to historical levels.
4️⃣ Czech Labour Office head Daniel Kristof dies at 46
Daniel Kristof, Director General of the Czech Labour Office since September 2023, has died at 46 after a prolonged illness, the office confirmed. Kristof, a specialist in work and organizational psychology, was praised for modernizing employment services and supporting disadvantaged groups. Labour Minister Marian Jurečka called him “a great professional and very human,” noting his contributions to public administration and society.
5️⃣ Brno Comic-Con Junior opens with film and game stars
The two-day Comic-Con Junior 2025 festival opens today at Brno Exhibition Centre, featuring actors from Harry Potter, Star Wars, and the Czech game Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Headliner Christopher Judge, known as Teal’c from Stargate, will appear alongside Predrag Bjelac and Joonas Suotamo. The event includes cosplay, exhibitions, gaming tournaments, and workshops. It runs today until 9 p.m and Sunday until 6 p.m.; tickets start at CZK 1990.
📊 POLL: Public emotion is running high as group of protestors gathered outside the National Museum Thursday with demands for the building to once again display the Ukrainian flag at its front. What do you think about the issue? Take our poll and give your view.
