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The Czech Pirate Party has elected Zdeněk Hřib, deputy mayor of Prague, as its new leader, steering the party towards a more centrist, liberal identity ahead of national elections.
Hřib won the leadership contest at the Pirates’ national forum in Prague on Sunday. His vision is to position the Pirates as a mainstream liberal party.
“The Pirates have shown that they want to follow the path of the clear centre. We will open up to our voters and clarify that we stand behind them. We will work to ensure that the liberal vote is not lost,” said Hřib after his win, emphasising a shift to issues that resonate with the everyday concerns of Czech citizens – particularly the economic situation.
The change marks a significant departure for the Pirates, who initially rose to prominence as a tech-oriented, anti-establishment voice in Czech politics.
However, recent regional and European election setbacks have left the party searching for a new direction. Long-time leader Ivan Bartoš and other senior members recently stepped down, acknowledging the need for renewal.
Pirates are represented in the European Parliament by MEP Markéta Gregorová, who is part of the EU Greens/EFA group.
This change in leadership comes at a time of significant upheaval for the Pirates.
In October 2024, the party left the governing coalition after Prime Minister Petr Fiala sacked Bartoš from his ministerial posts, citing dissatisfaction with his handling of digitalisation projects.
The Pirates’ withdrawal from government and internal leadership changes have coincided with a decline in public support. Recent polls show the party’s support hovering around the 5% threshold required for parliamentary representation. Czech parliamentary elections are due to take place in autumn 2025.
In the wake of these developments, notable figures have left the party.
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský resigned from the Pirates to remain in his government role, and former MEP and EP Vice-President Marcel Kolaja also left the party, reflecting internal disagreements over its new direction.
(Aneta Zachová | Euractiv.cz)
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The post Czech Pirate Party charts new course to the centre, bets on new leader appeared first on Energy News Beat.
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