Digital Push Falls Short: Only 18% of Public Services Fully Online

More than CZK 50 billion invested by the state in digitalising public services between 2020 and 2024 has failed to deliver the expected results. An audit found that only 18% of services are truly digital. Of nearly 9,000 services slated for digitalisation, just around 1,600 have been fully moved online. In many cases, electronic forms merely launch the process, while further steps still require manual handling. The audit points to weak project management, a shortage of IT specialists, and unclear responsibility for spending.

Czech man held in Venezuela released after long legal limbo

After several weeks of intensive negotiations, Czech diplomacy has secured the release of Czech national Jan Darmovzal from detention in Venezuela. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka announced the breakthrough alongside Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. Darmovzal was freed overnight and is in a satisfactory condition in Caracas, with a Czech aircraft being dispatched to bring him home. Venezuelan authorities detained him in September 2024, accusing him of involvement in an alleged plot against President Nicolás Maduro.

Trust in Pavel Remains Strong, Babiš Also Scores High in New Poll

As of early 2026, President Petr Pavel enjoys the trust of 57% of Czech residents, the highest level among senior political figures. Andrej Babiš follows closely, with 55% of respondents expressing confidence in him—also considered a strong result. Around 40% of people view Senate President Miloš Vystrčil and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Tomio Okamura positively. At the same time, Okamura is the politician most often described as untrustworthy, with 61% of respondents expressing distrust.

School Enrolment Moves to Winter for the First Time

The Czech Republic has begun accepting applications for first-graders for the 2026 school year. For the first time, enrolment is taking place in winter and will run until February 15. The shift from the traditional spring term is meant to give both parents and schools more time to prepare children for the start of compulsory education.

Court Upholds Suspended Sentence in Babiš Assault Case

A court in Frýdek-Místek has upheld the suspended sentence of a man who struck Andrej Babiš with a cane but waived the fine originally sought by prosecutors. The 64-year-old, who is disabled, was convicted of hooliganism and attempted bodily harm after attacking the former prime minister during a rally last autumn. He received a one-year suspended sentence and was ordered to cover medical and legal costs.