# Czech political shifts involving TOP 09 and KDU-ČSL

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/czech-political-shifts-involving-top-09-and-kdu-sl
> Updated: 2026-10-25T08:57:30.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Following municipal and senate elections in the Czech Republic, a significant political shift occurred in South Moravia as TOP 09 chairman Marek Sovka and approximately thirty members defected to the KDU-ČSL party. While KDU-ČSL leader Jan Grolich reported an increase in memberships, the move caused friction between the parties.

TOP 09 chairman Matěj Ondřej Havel criticized the defection, suggesting the move was coordinated months in advance and accusing KDU-ČSL of “luring” members away. However, internal tension has emerged within TOP 09, as some party insiders suggested the leadership’s public outcry may have unnecessarily amplified the event, claiming the movement of members was anticipated as early as the summer.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: TOP 09 leadership faces internal tension following member departures

TOP 09 chairman Matěj Ondřej Havel criticized the government over public media funding, while internal party members expressed concerns over his handling of regional members defecting to KDU-ČSL.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/top-09-leadership-faces-internal-tension-following-member-departures

### 2026-10-21: Czech political shifts as TOP 09 members defect to KDU-ČSL

Dozens of TOP 09 members in South Moravia are defecting to KDU-ČSL, highlighting shifting dynamics among Czech opposition parties.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-political-shifts-as-top-09-members-defect-to-kdu-sl

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Cite as: Czech political shifts involving TOP 09 and KDU-ČSL. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/czech-political-shifts-involving-top-09-and-kdu-sl