Energy Demand Surges Amid Severe Frosts Due to severe frosts, gas and electricity consumption in the Czech Republic has risen sharply. Distributors report that gas consumption over the past week was roughly a quarter higher than during the same period last year. Electricity demand also increased, prompting the Temelín nuclear power plant to raise output from 1,086 to over 1,100 megawatts. Foreign Minister Challenges Presidential Authority New Czech Foreign Minister Peter Macinka stated unequivocally that the president has no real authority in forming the government. After President Petr Pavel again refused to appoint Filip Turek as Minister of the Environment, the leader of the Motorists Party said the movement would not nominate another candidate and would continue to push for Turek. The party insists that responsibility for cabinet formation lies with parliament, not the president. Czech Mortgage Rates Tick Up By early 2026, interest rates on new mortgages in the Czech Republic have increased slightly for the first time since last summer, averaging 4.94%. Banks continue to act cautiously amid inflation risks and economic uncertainty, and no major changes in rates are expected in the near term. Hepatitis A Deaths Spike in Czech Republic In 2025, 36 people died from... The post Today’s Stories from Czechia I January 8, 2026 appeared first on Prague Morning .