The Czech Republic is grappling with worsening economic conditions, as unemployment rates continue to climb. The number of long-term unemployed—those jobless for over a year—has surpassed 100,000, marking a nearly 25% increase in two years.
Experts point to a struggling economy and a reluctance among companies to hire older or less-educated workers.
At the end of February, the total unemployed population reached 326,223, with long-term unemployment accounting for nearly 31% of that figure. Analysts warn that inflation and reduced business activity have made companies more selective in hiring, exacerbating joblessness, particularly among those over 55.
Meanwhile, despite these economic woes, the Czech government has pledged financial support for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) after U.S. funding was cut. Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized the station’s historical significance and expressed a commitment to ensuring its continued operation in Prague. The government is now working with other EU nations to secure additional financial backing for the broadcaster, which requires an annual budget of 2.87 billion crowns.
“We will do everything in our power to allow them to continue playing this important role,” said Prime Minister Petr Fiala, adding that he himself listened to the station in his youth. “I know what it meant to me during the communist era.” Fiala also called for the creation of a “coalition of states for a European solution.”
He expressed pride that Prague hosts RFE/RL and hopes that the station will remain in the Czech capital, where it has been broadcasting since 1995. The Czech government is consulting with seven other EU countries to find new financial resources for RFE/RL.
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský proposed that the station be placed under European patronage. Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák stated that 12 countries, including Denmark and Finland, have already signed a joint declaration in support of RFE/RL. “It looks promising,” he noted.
