Czech news in brief for February 12: Thursday's top morning headlines

The Czech lower house approved the basic parameters of the 2026 state budget early Thursday, setting a CZK 310 billion deficit. Lawmakers can now only propose internal reallocations. Revenues are projected at CZK 2.118 trillion and expenditures at 2.428 trillion. The opposition and the Czech Fiscal Council say the draft violates budget responsibility rules, while Finance Minister Alena Schillerova defended it as realistic.

The Office for the Documentation and Investigation of the Crimes of Communism has concluded that former prosecutor Josef Urválek knowingly participated in the judicial murder of Milada Horáková. Investigators found that Urválek was aware the 1950 death sentences were predetermined by the regime before the trial began. Although his actions were classified as murder under the era’s laws, the case has been closed due to the suspect's death in 1979.

Hundreds gathered at Brno’s Liberty Square on Wednesday evening to protest what organizers call the government’s authoritarian tendencies. The demonstration, led by civic activists, criticized state pressure on non-profit organizations and public service media. Speakers warned against the "Hungarian or Slovak path," urging the cabinet to maintain democratic values and independent civil society. The event follows recent diplomatic friction regarding the government’s international affiliations and domestic policy shifts.

Czech hockey captain Roman Červenka expressed optimism ahead of the national team’s Olympic opener against Canada in Milan. The 40-year-old veteran, set to tie the record for most national team appearances, emphasized the need for disciplined, active play to compete with the star-studded Canadian roster. Červenka believes that while Canada remains a difficult opponent, the Czech squad has the collective quality to succeed against any team in the tournament.

Czech residents should prepare for a sharp temperature drop as a cold front arrives Friday night. Following a week of unseasonably warm weather reaching up to 11°C, weekend daytime highs will fall toward zero. Forecasters expect overcast skies with occasional snow showers, particularly in higher elevations. Nighttime temperatures are predicted to dip as low as -5°C, potentially creating icy conditions on roads and sidewalks across the country.