According to the draft of the state final account, the state budget expenditure for last year’s elections in the Czech Republic reached CZK 959 million. These elections allowed voters to choose their representatives to municipal authorities and one-third of the Senate. The allocated budget was higher compared to the previous year’s parliamentary elections, which cost the state budget CZK 672 million. The rising costs can be attributed to various factors, including increased security measures and the need for extensive ballot paper printing and distribution.

In addition to the state budget expenditure, political parties also received funding from the government. Last year, political parties received CZK 575 million, a decrease compared to the CZK 1 billion disbursed in connection with the parliamentary elections in 2021. Political parties in the Czech Republic receive several allowances from the state, including annual funds of CZK 900,000 per elected Member of Parliament (MP) and Senator, as well as CZK 250,000 for each regional and Prague representative.

Furthermore, parties and movements that secure at least 3% of the votes in parliamentary elections receive a permanent contribution for their activities. The amount of this contribution varies based on electoral performance, ranging from CZK 6 million to CZK 10 million per year. Some parties and movements also qualify for subsidies for the operation of their political institutes.

Among the political parties, the opposition ANO movement received the largest contribution, amounting to CZK 139.7 million. The Mayors and Independents (STAN) received the second highest contribution at CZK 93 million, followed by the Civic Democrats (ODS) at CZK 87.2 million. Other parties that received funding include the Pirates (CZK 55.5 million), the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) (CZK 52.3 million), Freedom and Democracy (CZK 40 million), and TOP 09 (CZK 30.5 million).

The state’s investment in the elections extended beyond the budget expenditure and political party funding. The Czech Statistical Office spent nearly CZK 100 million on processing the election results, while the Interior Ministry allocated CZK 134 million for tasks such as ballot paper printing, distribution, and providing security during the elections. Moreover, regions and municipalities collectively spent CZK 528 million on various election-related expenses.

Looking ahead, the state budget has allocated CZK 693 million for the upcoming presidential elections in January and CZK 731 million for all elections scheduled this year, including municipal elections necessitated by local authorities falling apart. These funds will ensure the smooth functioning of the democratic process in the Czech Republic and uphold the principles of fair and transparent elections.