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Summary for: Czech news in brief for November 11: Tuesday's top morning headlines
Czech President weighs in on flag debate
1️⃣ Czech President weighs In on flag debate
President Petr Pavel insisted Czechia maintain material support to Ukraine, warning that stopping aid would cause greater harm, amid the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the lower house by Speaker Tomio Okamura. Speaking in West Bohemia, Pavel said flags symbolize solidarity, but assistance, including financial, military, or humanitarian, saves lives and reflects democratic values. As lawmakers from ANO and SPD debate the flag’s future, Pavel stressed aid should continue until peace is reached.
2️⃣ Czech jobless rate rises unexpectedly
Unemployment climbed to 4.6 percent in October, the highest October figure in nine years, signaling weaker seasonal hiring and slowing industry demand, according to data released Monday by the Czech Labour Office. Analysts called the rise unusual, noting fewer pre-Christmas jobs in logistics and retail. While unemployment remains low by EU standards, slower hiring could limit short-term opportunities as companies delay recruitment into the year’s final quarter.
3️⃣ Hepatitis A deaths rise in Prague
According to the Prague Hygiene Station more people have died from hepatitis A in Prague, bringing the city’s total to thirteen and nationwide deaths to 29 this year. Authorities report 1,071 confirmed cases in Prague, with 61 in the past week. Hygienists urge thorough handwashing and vaccination through general practitioners or centers, emphasizing that proper hygiene remains the most effective protection against the highly contagious infection.
4️⃣ Czechia honors war veterans with poppies
On Nov. 11, the Czech Republic commemorates Veterans Day, honoring service members with memorials, concerts, and symbolic poppies, according to the Ministry of Defense. Modern and World War II veterans are recognized for their service, while the Military Solidarity Fund and Post Bellum support veterans and families through financial aid, counseling, and storytelling projects. Campaigns run until Nov. 11 allowing citizens to contribute via poppies in-person or online.
5️⃣ St. Martin wines begin arriving
Czechs can now taste the first wines of the year as St. Martin’s Day approaches, though many grapes remain on the vines, according to Novinky.cz. Winemakers are bottling early varieties while later grapes await ideal harvest conditions, with longer ripening promising better quality. Vineyards across Pálava and Moravian Tuscany still showcase unharvested rows, offering picturesque autumn panoramas and seasonal selections for consumers and restaurants.
📊 POLL RESULTS: Czech authorities are warning about misleading discounts and scams as Black Friday and Christmas sales approach. Yesterday, 72 readers weighed in: 14 percent said they plan to hunt for deals, 21 percent will shop only if something is worthwhile, and 65 percent said no. Vote now and let us know if you’ll be chasing holiday bargains this year.
