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Outgoing Transport Minister Martin Kupka has announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Civic Democrats (ODS). He accepted the nomination from the party’s local branch in Líbeznice, the Central Bohemian town where he lives and once served as mayor. Kupka, currently ODS deputy leader, made the announcement on social media. Current party leader and outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he will not seek re-election after the coalition Spolu, formed by the Civic Democrats, TOP 09 and the Christian Democrats, finished second behind the ANO movement and is heading into opposition. Apart from Kupka, speculation surrounds South Bohemian Governor Martin Kuba, a long-time Fiala rival. Another contender, Ostrava-Jih deputy mayor Radim Ivan, has also declared his candidacy, saying he feels the support of members calling for change. The ODS congress to choose Fiala’s successor will take place on January 17–18, 2026.

Confidence in the Czech economy improved in October, growing by 2.1 points month on month to 104, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Business confidence increased by 1.8 points to 103.4, while consumer confidence rose by nearly four points to 107.4 — its highest level since February 2020. Analysts attribute the improvement to stronger optimism about households’ future financial situation and fewer fears of an overall downturn. However, business sentiment remains constrained by weak demand and a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in construction. Year on year, overall confidence in the economy is up by seven points.

Czech forward David Pastrňák scored and added an assist against Anaheim, but his Boston Bruins lost again, 5–7, suffering their sixth straight defeat. Goalie Petr Mrázek helped the Ducks with 36 saves. In other games, David Rittich led the New York Islanders to a 7–2 win with 31 stops, and Karel Vejmelka backstopped Utah to a 7–4 victory in St. Louis. Daniel Vladař made 31 saves but couldn’t prevent Philadelphia’s 1–2 loss in Ottawa. Martin Nečas, playing his first game against former club Carolina since his January trade, scored once for Colorado in a 4–5 shootout loss. David Tomášek notched his first NHL goal as Edmonton edged Montreal 6–5.

The new US ambassador to the Czech Rapublic, Nicholas Merrick, said he will focus on strengthening shared security and defense, as well as deepening economic and trade relations. Merrick made the remarks while presenting his credentials to President Petr Pavel at Prague Castle on Thursday.

He underlined the long-standing defense cooperation between the United States and the Czech Republic and their shared commitment to NATO, noting that both countries face common challenges from Russia and China. Merrick also praised Czechia for meeting its NATO target of spending two percent of GDP on defense.