Jan Zahradil, a prominent member of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and a long-term Member of the European Parliament (MEP), announced today that he will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming European Parliament elections. Zahradil, who has served as an MEP since 2004, expressed his desire to conclude his political career at the domestic level while remaining a member of the ODS. He will be succeeded as the head of the ODS EP group by Veronika Vrecionova, a former senator and MEP, who will also join the Civic Democrats’ board.

Zahradil, 60, has been an influential figure within the ODS and was elected as the leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) in 2011, making him the first Czech to hold such a position in the European Parliament. Throughout his tenure, Zahradil has been known for his opposition to further EU integration and the expansion of European legislation. He advocates for a “multi-speed” Europe, where each country can decide its level of participation in various areas of cooperation.

While Zahradil has faced criticism from political opponents regarding his foreign policy stances, he remains a respected figure within the ODS. Vrecionova, 57, who will succeed Zahradil, is the chairwoman of the Association for Rural Renewal and has been a member of the ODS for 18 years. She was elected to the European Parliament in 2019 and has played a significant role in shaping the party’s policies on the environment, countryside, and agriculture.

Looking ahead to the European Parliament elections next year, Vrecionova expressed her intention to actively participate in the campaign and secure an electable position on the candidate list. While she does not aspire to be the leader of the candidate list, that role is expected to be sought by other notable ODS members such as Alexandr Vondra, ODS deputy head, MEP, and former minister. Vrecionova aims for the ODS to at least maintain its current four seats in the European Parliament and potentially gain one or two more.

The decision on whether the ODS will run independently or in coalition with other parties, such as the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) and TOP 09, as it did in the 2021 general election, is yet to be determined and will be made in the autumn. The outcome will shape the dynamics of the upcoming European Parliament elections and influence the party’s strategy moving forward.

Article by Prague Forum