ODS Prague 1 drops candidate list amid Filip Dvořák asset controversy

The regional organisation of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) in Prague 1 announced it will not submit a candidate list for the upcoming autumn municipal elections. The decision, taken by the regional council, complies with the party leadership’s demand that former city council member and ex‑mayor Filip Dvořák be excluded because he has not sufficiently clarified questions surrounding his inherited wealth, estimated at about CZK 230 million and including properties in Prague and Špindlerův Mlýn, diamonds and a yacht stationed in Croatia.

Dvořák, who says he is not under investigation, previously refused to withdraw his candidacy after being urged by ODS chairman Martin Kupec. He described the council’s resolution as a “political peace solution” that follows party statutes. Dvořák served on the Prague city council from 1994‑2002 and was mayor of Prague 1 from 2000‑2002; he now works as a businessman and vice‑president of the Chamber of Commerce. No allegations have been proven, and he remains a member of ODS, currently chairing the local party organisation.