Czech news in brief for February 3: Tuesday's top morning headlines

The Czech Chamber of Deputies is beginning a session to debate a motion of no-confidence in the government, initiated by the opposition. Opponents cite dissatisfaction with economic performance and social policies as primary reasons for the challenge. While the debate is expected to be lengthy, the governing coalition holds a majority in the lower house, making the motion unlikely to succeed. The proceedings are being monitored closely by political analysts.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Stanislav Přibyl as the 38th Archbishop of Prague and Czech Primate. The 54-year-old former Bishop of Litoměřice succeeds Jan Graubner, who resigned upon reaching the age of 75. Přibyl, who will formally take office on April 25, stated he aims to reduce social tension and promote openness. He is expected to lead the Czech Catholic Church for the next two decades.

Residential property prices in the Czech Republic remained flat in the final quarter of 2025, signaling an end to the previous period of rapid growth. According to a recent market analysis, quarter-on-quarter price changes were negligible as high interest rates and cautious buyer sentiment balanced demand. While year-on-year costs remain elevated, experts suggest the market is entering a stabilization phase beneficial for long-term residential stability.

Police statistics show a year-on-year increase in criminal offenses committed by minors, with over 3,600 cases recorded last year. Authorities noted a significant rise in serious incidents, including murders and sexual offenses. Experts attribute the spike in reported sexual crimes to increased victim trust in police and legislative changes. Additionally, a demographic shift involving stronger population cohorts reaching the age of criminal responsibility has influenced the recent upward trend.

The documentary film "Melania," chronicling the U.S. First Lady’s final days before the inauguration, saw very low turnout during its Czech opening weekend. Despite significant success and record-breaking revenue in North America, the film attracted only 392 viewers across 40 Czech cinemas. Analysts noted that while the film faced harsh critical reviews globally, the lack of local interest resulted in an average of just ten viewers per screening.