Green party of Czech Republic held its annual congress in Česká Třebová. EGP co-chairman Reinhard Bütikofer ensured Czech Greens that European Greens stands and supports them in these hard times, which come after disappointing result of 1.46% on general elections in October. „I believe that you will learn from the defeat. Power of the defeat can turn into unity, but also to openness to new partners and recover. But it will take time,“ addressed Bütikofer delegates.
Former chairman Matěj Stropnický stepped down after the elections and new leadership has been elected in the congress. Petr Štěpánek, experienced politician and mayor of Prague 4 district has been elected. He defeated František Vosecký, who represented more young approach to the function. Štěpánek received 119 out of 220 votes, Vosecký 94.
Petr Štěpánek (53) is former biologist and environmental activist. He was founder of NGO Oživení, which focuses on environmental issues, public spaces and transparency. Petr Štěpánek has been serving in various positions of municipal politics in Prague since 2006, and since 2014 he is a mayor of Prague 4 district. This is the largest district of Prague with more than 130 000 inhabitants. He plans to run for Czech senate this October.
„I would like to lead the Greens as a party of climate protection, transformation of energy industry and modernization of welfare state with stress on equal opportunities and affordable housing,“ stated Petr Štěpánek after the election.
Magdalena Davis has been elected as first vice-chair of the party. She studied biology in Prague and Perth, and works as environmental consultant and manager. She also serves in local council of small town Mníšek pod Brdy. „I would like to contribute to rebirth of Greens in these hard times. It’s a big responsibility, but I believe we are able to do it,“ said after her election.
Another two vice-chairs are also female. Petra Jelínková is a translator and communications manager from Prague, Karolína Žákovská is an environmental law specialist from Ústí nad Labem. Remaining members of the party board are Jenda Perla, marketing manager from Brno, František Vosecký, city councillor from Prague and Vít Masare, project manager and city activist also from Prague.
On the second day of the congress, Czech greens elected members of its control body and adopted resolutions to current topics. Czech Greens fully expressed support to Jiří Drahoš in the second round of presidential electinons, which are due on Fenbruary 25th and 26th. Former chief of Academy of science is competing with incumbent Miloš Zeman and Greens stress, that we need pro-european president, who respect the rule of law. Greens also encouraged its members to actively participate on Jiří Drahoš’s campaign.
Among other resolutions, Greens urget the government not to participate on the Initiative 16+1, which aims on strengthening the position of China among eastern-european countries and disrupts the unity of EU. Greens also called to adopt measures to avoid plastic waste, and accepted resolution to support polish women in their struggle for fairer reproductive rights. Greens also supported participants of anti-neonazi concert and rally in Ostrava, which has been attacked by extreme right and later dissolved by police. Event has been a commemoration of an assassination of Jan Kučera 10 years ago.