The Social Democrats (CSSD) were routed in regional and senators elections because their policies did not produce immediate change and the party was unable to sell the results of its two-year rule in the campaign, CSSD deputy chairman Vladimir Spidla told journalists last night.
The reactor of the first bloc of the nuclear power plant in Temelin was relaunched at 3:20 a.m. today and since 3:40 a.m. has been maintained at the minimal output corresponding to 10 raised to the minus fourth power percent of the nominal output. Tests necessary to bring the reactor to the minimal stabilised controlled output continue. The reactor started to work afteost 32 hours of necessary preparations since the State Authority for Nuclear Safety (SUJB) consented to its relaunch.
The Czech koruna firmed slightly against the euro on Friday, shrugging off Thursday's rate cut and the central bank's comment that intervening against the currency remained an option. In late Friday trade the koruna/euro was at 34.599/649 from 34.710/760 at the open and 34.760/790 late on Thursday after the central bank cut its three main rates, the discount rate, the Lombard rate, and the two-week repo rate. The koruna/dollar was at 37.930/954 from 38.361/391 in early trade and 38.399/429 late Thursday.
In bonds state 6.75/05 was up 85 basis points on the session to 103.70/00 and the 6.40/10 bond up 55 basis points at 99.65/95, and yield at 6.44/40 percent.
(David Marek)