Czech political parties face membership shifts and local election competition

Political landscapes in the Czech Republic are seeing shifts at both local and national levels. In Uherský Brod, seven different groups are competing for seats in the municipal elections. This follows a period of political instability where a previous coalition collapsed after a member defected to the opposition, leading to the removal of the former mayor and the election of Ferdinand Kubáník from KDU-ČSL.

Nationally, traditional political parties are facing challenges with membership numbers. While the KDU-ČSL has reported an influx of 239 new members under new leadership, its total membership has seen a gradual decline from 18,763 in 2024 to 17,443. The TOP 09 party has experienced a more significant proportional loss, seeing a 17 percent decrease in members due to a combination of deaths, departures, and lack of interest from new recruits. In contrast, STAN has reported growth in its membership base.