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Czech politicians and political scientists offered largely mixed reactions to the New Year’s address by President Petr Pavel, who sought to strike a unifying tone after a polarising election year. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka of the Motorists' party welcomed the president’s conciliatory message but criticised his broad praise of civil society. The Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party said it appreciated Pavel’s good wishes to the new ANO–SPD–Motorists government, while calling the speech overly general and lacking concrete solutions. Political scientists said Pavel avoided day-to-day politics but indirectly challenged the government by portraying Czechia as prosperous and safe. Analysts noted his emphasis on civil society echoed former president Václav Havel, while aiming to calm emotions in a divided society.

Czechia is recording its lowest birth rate in at least 250 years, with the number of children born continuing to fall since 2021. Data analysed by SeznamZpravy.cz show that in 2024 fewer children were born than at any time since 1785, when systematic records began. According to the Czech Statistical Office, large cities such as Prague, Brno and Ostrava have seen the sharpest declines in recent years. Experts say most Czechs still consider two children the ideal family size, but high housing costs, job pressures, difficulties finding partners and infertility are leading many to delay or forgo parenthood, accelerating population ageing.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Czechia Vasyl Zvarych has condemned remarks by Tomio Okamura, leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), and Speakert of the House of Deputies, describing them as undignified and wholly unacceptable. Reacting on Facebook to Okamura’s New Year address, Zvarych said the statements echoed Russian propaganda and insulted Ukraine and its democratically elected leadership. Okamura again opposed arms deliveries to Ukraine, calling the war “senseless” and attacking President Volodymyr Zelensky and his circle calling them thieves. Zvarych urged Czech authorities and civil society to assess whether such rhetoric is compatible with high public office.

Czech goaltender Karel Vejmelka clearly won an all-Czech NHL matchup, stopping 20 shots as Utah Mammoth beat the New York Islanders 7–2. At the other end, David Rittich made nine saves and was pulled after the fifth goal. Jakub Dobeš also allowed five goals, but his Montreal Canadiens edged the Carolina Hurricanes 7–5. Vejmelka earned his 17th win of the season, the most by any NHL goalie. Utah was led by Dylan Guenther, who recorded his first NHL hat trick.