Czech municipalities face public vote on key local issues

The Deník news project ‘Starosto, vyřeš to!’ (Mayor, solve it!) has entered its final voting stage, allowing citizens across the Czech Republic to nominate and vote on the most pressing local issues. The initiative aims to identify critical problems that should be prioritized by newly elected municipal leaders following upcoming local elections.

Across various districts, common themes have emerged from the hundreds of nominations. Residents frequently cited concerns regarding public safety, the presence of homeless individuals and substance users in city centers, and the deteriorating state of historical or abandoned buildings. Other significant issues include inadequate parking availability, poor road and sidewalk conditions, and a lack of greenery or shade in urban squares.

Specific local concerns range from the state of the former Rudolfin building in Cheb and the dilapidated baths in Jablonec nad Nisou, to parking struggles in Havlíčkův Brod and Jihlava. In cities like Ostrava, the focus remains on security, neglected underpasses, and the impact of hostels. The project serves as a platform for citizens to voice long-standing grievances directly to future municipal administrations.