Czech news in brief for January 16: Friday's top morning headlines

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s coalition government won a confidence vote in the 200-member Chamber of Deputies after more than 100 days following last October’s elections. All 108 coalition MPs from ANO, SPD, and Motorists voted in favor, while 91 opposition MPs voted against. Former PM Petr Fiala said the result was expected and praised the opposition for highlighting potential risks. The cabinet currently has 15 members, two fewer than the previous government.

On Jan. 16, people across Czechia will commemorate student Jan Palach, who set himself on fire 57 years ago to protest the 1968 Warsaw Pact occupation. Events took place on Wenceslas Square, at the Olšany cemeteries, and at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts. Senate Chairman Miloš Vystrčil, Education Minister Robert Plaga, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda, and university leaders joined students in paying tribute to Palach’s act, which aimed to awaken society from political lethargy.

Czech President Petr Pavel and Senate Chairman Miloš Vystrčil called for strong European and NATO unity on Thursday. Pavel said the U.S.-Denmark dispute over Greenland should be resolved through NATO talks, warning unilateral action would threaten the alliance. Vystrčil urged the EU and Czechia not to let outside powers decide Europe’s future, citing the need for action, independence, and defense. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said he is preparing to meet with Danish representatives to find out their views on the current situation in Greenland. 

Czech defense group Czechoslovak Group (CSG) plans to go public on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange in the coming weeks. Through a new share issue, the company aims to raise up to EUR 750 million (around CZK 18 billion). Major global investors, including BlackRock, have pledged backing. CSG says the funds will support further expansion, production investments, and acquisitions.

Polish director and screenwriter Agnieszka Holland received the Charles IV Award on Thursday at Prague’s Old Town Hall. Presented by Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda and Charles University Rector Milena Králíčková, the prize recognizes her lifetime work addressing totalitarian regimes, civic courage, and human dignity through film. Holland, a FAMU graduate, is among eight laureates, joining figures such as former German President Joachim Gauck, and was recently noted for her 2025 film Franz.