Czech news in brief for February 11: Wednesday's top afternoon headlines

Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala has officially announced he will not run for a seat in the Senate or seek the presidency. Despite speculation regarding his political next steps, Fiala confirmed his decision to withdraw from these specific races. He stated his current focus remains on his existing political obligations rather than seeking a new high-level office, clarifying his path ahead of upcoming election cycles.

Prague Integrated Transport (PID) has launched an updated version of the Lítačka mobile application, focusing on increased stability and smoother performance. The new iteration is designed to handle higher user traffic and will gradually introduce expanded features for commuters. Developers state the upgrade addresses previous technical issues, providing a more reliable tool for purchasing tickets, managing passes, and planning routes across the capital’s public transport network.

A recent analysis reveals that 10,714 older apartments were sold in Prague last year, marking the highest volume of second-hand property transactions in six years. The surge suggests a robust recovery in the secondary housing market despite fluctuating interest rates. Industry experts attribute this growth to increased buyer confidence and a steady demand for established residential locations, making it the most active year for used home sales since 2018.

The Constitutional Court is set to deliberate on a proposal to abolish the criminal offense of "unauthorized activity for a foreign power." Critics of the current legislation argue that the law's definitions are overly broad and could potentially infringe on civil liberties or professional activities. The court’s upcoming ruling will determine whether the statute remains part of the Czech legal code or requires significant revision to protect constitutional rights.

The Berlinale film festival has officially launched, featuring three new films produced with Czech participation. These co-productions highlight the growing role of the Czech film industry in international cinema. The festival, one of the world's most prestigious film events, will showcase these projects across various categories, providing a significant platform for Czech filmmakers and technicians to gain global exposure and compete for top honors.