Former Nato general Petr Pavel was elected president of the Czech Republic on Saturday, in a result set to keep the country among Ukraine's supporters in the war with Russia.
Mr Pavel won 58 per cent of the vote in a run-off against billionaire populist and former prime minister Andrej Babis, who took 42 per cent.
The president does not make day-to-day policy decisions but oversees the democratic process, appoints the prime minister and is considered a weighty voice in politics.
Mr Pavel, 61, said he would seek to unite the country after a campaign in which Mr Babis received death threats and a hoax spread alleging that Mr Pavel was dead.
“Values such as truth, dignity, respect and humility won,” said Mr Pavel, 61, who has never held political office.
“I am convinced that these values are shared by the vast majority of us, it is worth us trying to make them part of our lives and also return them to Prague Castle and our politics.”
The combative Mr Babis had sought to attract voters struggling with soaring prices by vowing to push the government do more to help them.
Mr Babis, who lost power in 2021, also played on his rival's military background to stoke fears that the Czech Republic would be dragged into a war with Russia.
He caused a stir by suggesting he would not send troops to Poland or the Baltic states if they were attacked, the cornerstone principle of Nato. He later backtracked.
Mr Babis conceded defeat to Mr Pavel after the two-day ballot.
“I would like to wish him to be the president of all citizens of the Czech Republic, to be sensitive to their problems and fight for the interests of the Czech Republic,” he said.
A former paratrooper, Mr Pavel was the chief of the Czech defence staff from 2012 to 2015 and subsequently chairman of the Nato military committee.
He campaigned as an independent and but won the backing of the centre-right government, leading Mr Babis to portray him as the establishment choice.
A social liberal, he supported Czech arms donations to Ukraine and said it should be given “the same chance we were” to join the European Union. The Czech Republic has sent weapons such as T-72 tanks of Soviet design.
Mr Pavel will take office in March, succeeding outspoken President Milos Zeman, who had pushed for closer ties with Russia until the invasion of Ukraine.
Turnout in the run-off was an unusually high 70.2 per cent.
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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