Czech news in brief for September 14: Monday's top morning headlines

President Petr Pavel will lead Czechia at the next NATO summit, signaling a possible thaw after months of tension with the government. Elsewhere, workers could lose pay for their first three sick days, the state is inheriting hundreds of millions from people who die without heirs, and the Czech Crown Jewels emerge from their chamber today. Good morning, here's your Monday headline mix.

President Petr Pavel will lead the Czech delegation at NATO’s next summit in Tirana, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said Sunday. The decision follows a months-long dispute between the government and president over Pavel’s participation at this year’s summit in Ankara.

Wider context: Both leaders ultimately attended the Ankara summit after the Constitutional Court intervened. Pavel and Babiš will meet Monday to discuss foreign policy coordination ahead of next week’s U.N. General Assembly in New York.

Labor Minister Aleš Juchelka said Sunday he would support restoring a rule under which employees receive no wage compensation for the first three days of sick leave. The proposal is being prepared by the junior coalition Motorists party and is backed by employers.

Why it matters: Employers are expected to spend nearly CZK 9 billion covering the first three sick days this year. Union leader Josef Středula opposes the change, arguing that sick workers should not be financially penalized for staying home to recover.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka will not attend Monday’s foreign policy meeting between President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš despite being invited, his spokesman said Sunday. Macinka agreed with Babiš that he would skip the talks.

On the agenda: Pavel and Babiš will focus on coordinating foreign policy ahead of next week’s U.N. General Assembly in New York, where Pavel will lead the Czech delegation. The meeting follows months of tensions between the president and government.

The Czech state inherited property worth more than CZK 560 million last year from people who died without relatives or a will. Authorities handled 1,615 such cases, the second-highest annual total recorded over the past decade.

What happens to it: The inheritances included CZK 345.7 million in buildings and apartments and CZK 129.1 million in land. Cash goes to the state budget, while artworks may go to museums and unwanted property is typically auctioned.

The Czech Crown Jewels will be ceremonially removed from their chamber inside St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle Monday ahead of their annual public exhibition. The rarely displayed collection includes the 14th-century St. Wenceslas Crown, royal scepter and royal orb.

What’s next: The jewels will go on public display at Prague Castle from Friday, Sept. 18. Admission to the exhibition will be free, with visitors able to see the original medieval regalia in person.