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Current AffairsNew environmental tax will see coal prices rise by ten percent
In January 2008, to be in accordance with an EU directive on taxation on
energies, the Czech government will implement the first of two phases of
an environmental tax reform plan. The use of environmentally damaging
forms of energy will be taxed in an effort to make individuals and
companies more eco-friendly. Next year, coal prices will rise by an
estimated ten percent. But with a significant number of Czechs -
especially pensioners - using coal in their households, what are the
economic and environmental implications of this move? Dita Asiedu spoke to
Environment Minister and Green Party leader Martin Bursik:
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Current AffairsWill gale-force winds change the face of Czech forests?
Rolling hills and coniferous forests are what you would call typical Czech
landscape, but with the climatic changes affecting central Europe that may
be about to change. In the wake of devastating gale-force winds,
environmental experts are advising forest owners to think about mixed
forests instead.
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Current AffairsGovernment wins confidence vote but faces tough tasks ahead
Seven months after the country's inconclusive general elections, the Czech
Republic finally has a legitimate government. Prime Minister Topolanek's
centre right coalition government made up of the Civic Democrats,
Christian Democrats and the Green Party won a vote of confidence in the
lower house on Friday. Of the 198 deputies present it got approval from
100. Its survival was secured by two rebel Social Democrat deputies who
agreed to tolerate the government -by absenting themselves from the
assembly hall - in order to end months of political paralysis.
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Current AffairsPresident criticises politicians' inability to resolve continuing stalemate
It has long been custom in the Czech Republic for viewers to tune in on
January 1st to watch the president's New Year's address and this year's
speech was followed closely. After months of political deadlock following
inconclusive elections in June, it was hardly surprising politics topped
the president's list. More
Current AffairsCzech government saga continues
On Thursday Czech politicians added another chapter to the seemingly
endless political saga on forming a government. The Civic Democrats,
Christian Democrats and the Greens signed an agreement on a centre right
coalition. But is it really a step towards giving the country a stable
leadership, or just another in a series of drawn-out maneuvers leading to
early elections?
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Talking PointWho stands where on early elections?
On Monday, more than three months after the general elections in June,
President Vaclav Klaus appointed a new Civic Democratic minority cabinet
led by Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek. However, even before its
appointment commentary from all sides of the political spectrum indicated
that no one expects this government to survive long—perhaps only for 30
days if the initial vote of confidence, expected to be held on October 4,
fails. The Civic Democrats are themselves saying that their intention is
to bring the country to early elections. In this week's Talking Point, we
look at the issue of early elections, what they mean for the various
political parties, who supports them and who is opposed.
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