Czech news in brief for February 10: Monday's top headlines

The flu epidemic in the Czech Republic has likely peaked, with cases dropping 1.4% to 2,219 per 100,000 people, the National Institute of Public Health reported Monday. While cases are declining among children and young adults, they continue rising in older groups. Influenza A and B remain the dominant strains. Since autumn, 235 flu patients have required intensive care, and 54 have died. Cases are still rising in six regions, including Ústí nad Labem and Vysočina.

Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expects the war in Ukraine to end before the country's autumn parliamentary elections, he told Czech media on Monday. Babiš, leader of the opposition ANO movement, said a U.S.-brokered resolution is likely after President Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S election. He also indicated ANO would not continue the Czech ammunition initiative supporting Ukraine if it returns to power. ANO deputy chairman Karel Havlíček recently confirmed this stance.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský summoned Russia’s ambassador to Czechia Monday to protest remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who called Czech Senator Miroslava Němcová an "evil animal" over a fake social media post. Medvedev’s comments sparked condemnation from Czech leaders. Prague urged Russia to stop its "information war," as Němcová denied any involvement in the disputed post. In May 2024, Lipavský also summoned the Russian ambassador over cyberattacks on Czech institutions and critical infrastructure.

A Czech court has ordered the liquidation of NV Europe MC, the association linked to the Russian biker group Night Wolves, citing legal violations, including a non-existent headquarters. The group, known for its ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and controversial World War II anniversary rides, faced scrutiny as a security risk. Authorities are now overseeing the dissolution process, marking a crackdown on the club’s activities in the country.

A new Eurobarometer survey shows that 77 percent of Czechs have a positive view of nuclear energy, the highest in the EU. Nearly 30 percent see it as highly beneficial for future technological and energy development. In contrast, Austria expressed the most negative stance. The Czech Republic has consistently led EU nuclear support for over 25 years. Nuclear power, together with renewable sources, is set to become the main source of energy mix in the Czech Republic in the future, according to government plans.

The ANO movement weakened in Kantar CZ’s January election model, dropping to 33.5 percent, while the SPOLU coalition fell to 19 percent. STAN held third place at 12.5 percent. Motoristé Sobě surged to 7.5 percent, securing entry into the Chamber of Deputies alongside the Pirates (7.5 percent) and SPD (6.5 percent). The survey, conducted for Czech Television, reflects shifting political preferences ahead of the next election.

Authorities are investigating allegations that Czech elite soldiers illegally transported drones to Ukraine using diplomatic passports. Defense Minister Jana Černochová called the accusations serious but emphasized that a probe is underway. The case involves the 601st Special Forces Group and the Nemesis project. Opposition lawmakers demand discussion in parliament, while Černochová insists on legal compliance. The military police and defense ministry are conducting separate investigations.

In the first month of a new legal framework for same-sex couples, 116 partnerships were registered, according to data from civil registry offices. The new institution replaced registered partnerships, in place since 2006. While the reform grants couples joint property and inheritance rights, adoption laws remain restrictive. Activists argue the system still falls short of full equality, as same-sex couples cannot jointly adopt children.

More women are choosing women-only driving schools, citing a calmer environment, patient instructors, and detailed explanations. Schools in Ostrava and České Budějovice report growing demand, with some fully booked months in advance. Women instructors help ease anxiety and create a supportive atmosphere. Traditional driving schools, including in Prague, are also introducing women-only courses to accommodate those with past negative experiences. The trend reflects a shift toward more personalized driver education.

A shift from high to low pressure will bring increasing cloud cover and precipitation across Czechia from Tuesday, according to meteorologists. Freezing rain is expected, creating icy conditions, while snowfall will reach lower elevations by the weekend. Monday will be the warmest day at 5–9°C, but temperatures will drop to -7°C in some areas. Snow showers and strong winds are forecast in mountainous regions.