The Czech government coalition views the Senate with deep disdain, treating the upper house as an unwanted child or annoying insect, according to political analyst Lukáš Jelínek in a commentary published on August 4, 2026. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has labeled the Senate “opposition,” a term coalition politicians also apply to the president and the Constitutional Court.
According to the commentary, Babiš considers the constitutional system complicated and feels uncomfortable in the upper chamber because his movement does not hold a majority of seats. Jelínek notes that Babiš struggles to accept criticism, often confusing it with insults and defamation, and has not visited the Senate since returning to the prime minister’s seat last year. Regarding the chamber, Babiš recently remarked, “If something important happens, I will find the time.”
Upcoming Senate Elections and Shifts in the Balance of Power
The power balance in the upper house could shift significantly in early October, when 27 Senate seats are up for election. Jelínek reports that ANO defends only a single mandate, while the opposition defends 26 seats. While non-governmental parties are unlikely to lose every contested seat to the government, a more even distribution of power is expected.
Did You Know? Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has not made a single appearance in the Senate since returning to the premiership last year, though he recently stated that he would find time if something important arises.
Candidate Strategies and Political Alignment
ANO rejected proposals for joint coalition candidate lists, meaning its contenders will run alone in the first round across most electoral districts. The Motorists are prepared to support ANO candidates, while the SPD is searching for its own candidates after coalition talks failed. Jelínek notes that ANO candidates and prospective lawmakers have rejected SPD’s support because the SPD is widely labeled as radical, far-right, or antisystemic.
Because the two-round electoral system favors moderate candidates, ANO has recruited popular mayors, doctors, and teachers. Meanwhile, opposition parties display varied ambitions: lidovcům, Pirátům i TOP 09 stačí na jejich spočítání prsty jedné ruky, whereas ODS fields 14 and STAN fields 13. In regions where the right-center is strong, such as Prague and Hradec Králové, opposition parties may run against each other and risk splitting the vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Senate seats are being contested in October?
According to the commentary, 27 Senate seats are up for redistribution in early October.
How many mandates does the ANO movement currently defend in this election cycle?
The ANO movement defends only a single mandate, while the opposition defends 26 seats.
How many candidates are ODS and STAN fielding for the Senate races?
ODS is fielding 14 candidates, and the STAN movement is fielding 13 candidates.
? How do you think the upcoming October Senate elections will alter the legislative dynamic between the government and the upper chamber?
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