Czech Senate elections: Controversy in Plzeň over ODS senator's billboard

The second round of the 2026 Czech Senate elections is scheduled for October 16 and 17. The runoff involves 22 districts, with candidates competing to fill remaining seats following the first round.

In Plzeň, a political controversy has emerged involving outgoing ODS Senator Lumír Aschenbrenner. Despite previously stating he would not endorse any candidate, Aschenbrenner appeared on billboards alongside ANO candidate Lucie Kantorová. The billboards featured the slogan, “Plzeň má v Senátu zastupovat člověk, který v Plzni žije!” (Plzeň should be represented in the Senate by someone who lives in Plzeň!). This was seen as a critique of STAN candidate Karel Řehka, who does not reside in the city.

ODS leadership, including Chairman Martin Kupka and former Prime Minister Petr Fiala, condemned the move as “unacceptable.” In response, ODS has moved to remove the billboards from advertising spaces leased by the party. Aschenbrenner defended his actions by stating he did not explicitly call for support, though he admitted to consenting to the use of his image.

Other election developments include the poor performance of the SPD party, whose candidates failed to reach the second round, and the ongoing duel in the Uherské Hradiště district between KDU-ČSL's Josef Bazala and ANO's Jiří Vašica.