Czech Lidovci and TOP 09 leaders reject party merger

Jan Grolich, leader of the Lidovci party, told reporters that his party is not considering any merger or union with TOP 09. He emphasized the need to reaffirm the party’s own strength and agenda before discussing any collaboration.

Matěj Ondřej Havel, head of the conservative‑liberal, pro‑European TOP 09, also rejected the idea of a merger, stating that TOP 09 is growing and will remain an independent force. Both politicians said that while a full integration is unlikely, cooperation in a coalition could be explored as elections approach.

Political analysts noted that the parties poll at only two to four percent nationally, and they highlighted the historical identity of the older KDU‑ČSL lineage as a barrier to any complete integration.