Introduction
2024 European Parliament Election Results
In the 2024 European Parliament (EP) elections in Czechia, the populist opposition ANO movement emerged as the top performer, reflecting a broader trend of right-wing successes across Europe. ANO secured 26.14% of the vote, earning seven seats in the EP—an increase of one seat compared to 2019.
Following closely was the Spolu (Together) coalition, comprising the Civic Democrats, Christian Democrats, and Top 09, which garnered 22.2% of the vote, resulting in six MEPs. Another notable outcome was the performance of Přísaha and Motorists, a populist right-wing to far-right party, which gained 10% of the vote and secured two seats in the EP.
On the left-wing to far-left side, the Stačilo! (Enough!) coalition also achieved around 10% of the vote, earning two MEPs. Overall, Czechia will be represented by 21 MEPs in the 720-seat European Parliament during the next legislative period. Notably, ten out of fourteen incumbent Czech MEPs successfully defended their seats in this election.
European Commission notes improvements in new Rule of Law Report on Czechia
On 24th July 2024, the European Commission published its annual report on the state of the rule of law in EU member states. In the Czech Republic, the Commission highlighted the improvements in the judicial system, in particular the reform of the public prosecutor’s office. Other progress included shortening the length of proceedings and ensuring the independence of investigations.
However, challenges remain in other areas. For example, problems persist in implementing reforms related to the transparency of information on media ownership.
Freedom of association
Kaputin Activists Charged with Property Damage for Painting Ukrainian Flag
On 16th July 2024, seven members of the pro-democracy direct action group Kaputin were charged with property damage for painting the Ukrainian flag on the ground in front of Russian-owned apartment buildings in Prague. The incident took place in February 2024 as a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, marking the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
The charges could result in up to three years in prison for those involved, depending on the severity of the case. The painting of the Ukrainian flag was intended as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine and a statement against the ongoing conflict.
Peaceful Assembly
Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (ČMKOS) Organises Protest Against Labour and Pension Reforms
On 21st May 2024, the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (ČMKOS) organised a protest in Prague against proposed changes to the Labour Code and pension system by the government. The protest specifically targeted the potential introduction of dismissal without cause and the planned increase in the retirement age, according to a statement on the union's website. ČMKOS had initially announced their plans for the protest in mid-April in response to planned changes.
Czech Trade Unions and Farmers Postpone Protests After Assassination Attempt in Slovakia
The umbrella trade union organisation of Bohemia and Moravia cancelled a planned demonstration against the Czech government's proposed pension reform and changes to the Labour Code. This decision, announced on 17th May 2024, followed an assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, which heightened political tensions in the region.
The unions consulted with their Slovak counterparts before making the decision, emphasising a desire to avoid further unrest. Similarly, Czech farmers postponed their protest against government policies and Green Deal restrictions. The demonstration has been rescheduled for 4th June 2024. Jan Doležal, President of the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic, stressed the importance of calming societal tensions following the incident in Slovakia.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný welcomed these decisions, expressing their readiness for renewed dialogue with the unions and farmers.
Protest Against War in Ukraine
On 1st June 2024, several hundred people gathered at Wenceslas Square in Prague to protest the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The demonstrators carried banners advocating for peace, including calls for the Czech Republic to withdraw from NATO and for an end to the fighting in Ukraine.
The protest was attended by notable figures such as former Czech Prime Minister Jiří Paroubek and former Slovak politician Ján Čarnogurský. The event was organised by Ladislav Vrabel, a member of the group “Czechia First.” Vrabel, known for organising large anti-government protests in 2022, was given a suspended prison sentence in 2023 for spreading false information online claiming Czechia was preparing to attack Russia with nuclear weapons.
Demonstration Demanding More Funding for Higher Education
On 4th June 2024, several hundred people, including students, university employees, and members of school unions, gathered in Prague to demand increased funding for higher education. Protesters called for an additional CZK 11 billion, specifically for the humanities, and urged the creation of a plan to stabilise funding from 2025 to 2030.
The protest, named “System Collapse,” was organised by the Hour of Truth movement. This group has actively campaigned against the chronic underfunding of humanities education in the Czech Republic, organising several protests over the past year to raise awareness of the issue.
Pro-Palestinian Protest
According to Anadolu News Agency, on 24th July 2024, scores of pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the entrance to the Representation of the European Commission in Prague. The demonstration, organised under the platform PopUpForJustice, was part of a coordinated action across 20 European countries.
The protesters demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and called for various actions against Israel, including halting arms supplies from EU member states, ending cooperation in education and research, and imposing trade restrictions on Israeli hacking tools. They also advocated for the protection of political dissent and the re-evaluation of EU-Israel agreements.
The protest lasted for at least three hours, during which participants distributed leaflets outlining their demands.
Freedom of Expression
APT28 Cyber Attack on the Czech Republic
Since 2023, Czech institutions have been targeted by cyberattacks exploiting a Microsoft Outlook vulnerability, linked to the Russian GRU-associated group APT28. On 3rd May 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relying on intelligence, confirmed that these attacks aimed to compromise Czech security and stability. The affected sectors include government and energy.
The Czech Republic, together with international partners, condemned APT28's long-term cyber espionage against Europe. Lukáš Kintr, Director of the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NUKIB), asserted that there is clear evidence of Russian involvement and emphasised the need to signal that such attacks are unacceptable. On 7th May 2024, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský summoned Russian Ambassador Alexander Zmeyevsky to address the cyberattacks on Czech institutions and critical infrastructure.
LGBTQI+-Rights
Constitutional Court Ruling on Gender Change Requirements
On 7th May 2024, the Czech Republic's Constitutional Court ruled that transgender individuals will no longer need to undergo gender reassignment surgery to change their gender legally. The court declared the existing requirements for surgery and sterilisation unconstitutional, stating they violate human dignity. The decision underscores the need for new legislation to replace the invalidated provisions. Although the ruling takes effect immediately, enforcement has been postponed until mid-2025 to allow lawmakers time to develop and implement new regulations.
New Decree Allows Gay Men to Donate Blood
The Czech Health Ministry has issued a new decree permitting gay men to donate blood at any time, lifting a ban previously labelled as “absurd” and discriminatory. Until now, gay men were only allowed to donate if they had not been sexually active for six months; prior to 2019, the deferral period was 12 months. The decree still prohibits individuals who engage in certain high-risk sexual activities from donating blood, but this applies regardless of sexual orientation or gender.