Czech news in brief for March 9: Monday’s top afternoon headlines

The government plans to restrict bus transport between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, House Speaker and far-right leader Tomio Okamura said. A working group has been established to tighten controls and conditions, according to Okamura, who claimed many bus carriers were operating illegally, without proper permits, and were used to smuggle illegal products, including weapons and other military goods.

Czech gas stations in western and north-western Bohemia have seen an increase in activity as more German drivers cross the border in search of cheaper fuel, iRozhlas.cz reports. The war in the Middle East has sent shock waves on global energy markets, pushing oil prices up. And while the costs of diesel and gasoline in the Czech Republic is also rapidly rising, they’re still cheaper than in Germany by CZK 10-15 per liter.

Unemployment in the Czech Republic continued to rise to reach 5.2 percent in February, according to the Labor Office. This is the highest rate since 2017 and marks a 0.8 percent increase compared to one year ago, although some of this increase is linked to seasonal adjustments before the arrival of spring. Across the country, unemployment ranges from 3.9 percent in Prague (the lowest) to 7.6 percent in the Ústí nad Labem region.

The Czech Republic will be represented by little-known, 23-year-old singer-actor Daniel Žižka at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, organisers announced. Combining indie pop and ambient music, Žižka’s Eurovision act ‘Crossroads’ will premiere on Wednesday. The highly popular song competition will take place in Vienna between May 12-16. Out of 13 participations, the Czech Republic achieved its best score in 2018, reaching 6th place.

Defending champions Slavia Prague beat their arch-enemy of Sparta 3:1 in the anticipated derby of Czech football’s top-flight. Unbeaten this season with 25 rounds played, Slavia is now 10 points ahead of their nemesis. Since 1993, Spartans have won no less than 14 league titles, ahead of Slavia Prague (8), Viktoria Plzeň (6) and Slovan Liberec (3).