Czech news in brief for February 9: Monday's top morning headlines

The Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ) reports that the Interior Ministry has failed to establish a functional protection system for "soft targets" like schools, hospitals, and malls. Despite a 2017–2020 strategy, the ministry neglected its coordination role and halted security support in 2021. Increased focus only returned after the December 2023 Prague university shooting. Auditors highlighted a lack of funding for security technology and an outdated list of vulnerable locations.

Czech fans are celebrating a strong start to the winter sports season as snowboarding gold and speed skating silver medals boost expectations for the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The recent successes have triggered a surge in ticket interest and local "Olympic fever." Fans are looking forward to 19 days of competition, with various watch parties and festivals planned across Czechia to support national athletes in their quest for further medals.

The average Czech mortgage rate fell to 4.93 percent in early February, according to the latest Swiss Life Hypoindex data. This slight decrease follows a period of stagnation and marks a return to levels last seen in 2022. While the Czech National Bank has lowered its base rates, commercial banks remain cautious in their pricing. Analysts expect rates to continue a very gradual decline throughout the year, driven by competitive pressure and stabilizing inflation.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced he supports banning social media use for children under 15, citing expert warnings regarding mental health risks. Following models seen in France and Australia, the Czech government is seriously considering a legislative proposal later this year. Vice-Premier Karel Havlíček confirmed the cabinet is negotiating with experts and mobile operators, arguing that digital platforms can be "extremely harmful" and addictive for minors.

The Association of Czech Film Critics has named the drama Sbormistr (The Choirmaster) as the best film of the past year. The film, which explores themes of manipulation within a girls' choir, also earned 16-year-old Kateřina Falbrová the Best Actress award. Other winners at the Prague ceremony included Tereza Nvotová for Best Director (Otec) and the Vietnamese-Czech film Letní škola, 2001, which secured awards for Best Screenplay and Newcomer of the Year.