The municipal government of Prague 3 is fighting against the planned closure of post offices by Česká Pošta (Czech Post), the country’s primary postal service provider. The government is urging Česká Pošta to keep the post office branch in Koněvova Street open and intact, and not to close it as part of their planned branch reduction. The spokesperson for the municipal district, Jiří Hannich, stated that Česká Pošta’s position on the proposal would be known at the beginning of next week.

Česká Pošta has plans to close five out of six post offices in Prague 3, starting in July 2023, as part of its nationwide plan to close 300 branches to save money. This would mean the end of 35 out of 106 post offices in Prague. However, the municipal government of Prague 3 has been protesting against it since last week. They are not alone, as other municipal governments have also protested against the closure and how communication has been handled. Some mayors have learned about the post office’s plans through the media.

The municipal government of Prague 3 wants to keep at least two branches open to distribute the possibility of using postal services evenly. The Olšanská branch would cover postal services for the western part of Prague 3, while the post office in Jarov would serve the eastern regions. Pavel Dobeš, Deputy Mayor of Prague 3, said, “The plan to reduce post office branches from six to one cannot be based solely on commuting distance, as Česká Pošta did. Prague 3 is one of the areas with the highest population density in Prague and virtually in the entire Czech Republic. In addition, a large development area of Nákladové nádraží Žižkov is being prepared, which will bring more residents to the area. Many seniors and foreigners who regularly use postal services also live here.”

Prague 9 is also negotiating with Česká Pošta to transfer one of the operating branches to the Pošta Partner system, in which it would participate in its operation to prevent the future closure of the branch. Other municipal governments have also protested against the closure, not only because of the closure of branches but also because of how communication has been handled. The council of Prague 11 will discuss the matter on Thursday. Representatives of the post office have already arranged meetings with them and the mayors of Prague 6 and Prague 8.

The closure of post offices in Prague would lead to the loss of jobs for many employees, and the inconvenience to residents who depend on post office services. The situation highlights the importance of postal services to a community and the need to balance cost-saving measures with the needs of the population.

Article by Prague Forum