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NewsPresident Klaus signs bill on state budget for 2011

NewsKlaus state budget cuts will affect economy by tenths of a percent

Business NewsBusiness News

In Business News: Czech Prime Minister Petr Nečas comes out against the European budget freeze; the health minister, Leoš Heger, says the health Ministry will do everything possible to redirect funds towards doctors’ salaries; the Czech Trade Inspection Office will soon be able to publish the names of gas stations selling poor-quality fuel; and, etiquette experts provide tips on how not to behave at upcoming office parties. More

NewsChamber of Deputies approves 2011 budget

NewsCzech centres in Košice, Buenos Aires, to close in February

NewsFinance minister: public deficit in 2010 below 5.3 percent

NewsIntelligence service not to be spared from across the board budget cuts

Current AffairsSenate approves government’s austerity bills

The Czech Senate met for the final session in its present formation on Friday with one all-important item on the agenda: approving the government’s austerity measures before the Civic Democrats lose their majority in the wake of recent elections for one third of the seats in the upper house. The opposition Social Democrats say the fast-tracked vote was unconstitutional, while a group of protesters briefly held up proceedings by blocking the Senate’s entrance. More

Current AffairsCzech trade unions call one-day strike against cuts in public sector salaries

Czech trades unions have called a one-day strike next month in protest against a government plan to cut the salaries of public sector employees. Over half a million people are expected to take part in the strike, the biggest such protest since the fall of communism. For its part, the Czech government has reiterated a pledge not to back down. More

Talking PointNational Gallery’s Milan Knížák warns budget cuts will force gallery to opt for drastic solution: to shut down in winter months

Prague’s National Gallery, one of the country’s most respected cultural institutions which includes a number of venues including Veletržní palace, has, along with other state-funded organisations, been told by the austerity government to save 15 percent of its budget next year. The cuts, following the earlier financial crisis, are expected to hit the gallery hard. While some steps have already been taken – a reduction in the number of exhibitions, a cutting back on acquisitions, a lowering of the number of staff – it is not likely to be enough. As a result, this week gallery head Milan Knížák warned of a more drastic solution if additional funds aren’t found. More