Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala has announced he will not seek a seat in the Czech Senate or contend for the presidency in the upcoming elections, despite calls from within his party to do so. Fiala revealed his decision via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 11, 2026, stating his commitment to fulfilling his current role as a member of Parliament.
“I am not accustomed to giving up and abandoning unfinished work. I will not run for the Senate, nor will I seek a candidacy in the presidential elections,” Fiala wrote. He affirmed his support for current President Pavel, stating, “Several times I have said that President Pavel is doing his job well, and I have nothing to change in these words.” Fiala expressed concern that his candidacy would fragment the vote among pro-Western and pro-democratic voters, potentially benefiting forces seeking to undermine the country’s democracy, freedom, and independence.
Fiala emphasized that he does not require a formal position to remain active in Czech politics and public life. He simultaneously announced the establishment of a new think tank, the Political Forum, founded in collaboration with unnamed colleagues. The forum’s stated aim is to “systematically develop, cultivate and popularize the ideas of freedom and democracy, especially among young people.”
The decision comes after the autumn 2025 parliamentary elections, in which the Spolu coalition, led by Fiala, secured 23 percent of the vote and moved into the opposition. Following the election results, Fiala announced he would not seek re-election as the leader of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), a position he had held for twelve years. Martin Kupka subsequently assumed the leadership of the ODS.
Recent polling data indicates significant dissatisfaction with the current government led by Fiala’s successor. According to a poll reported by Brno Daily, a vast majority of Czechs are dissatisfied with the performance of the Fiala government. Despite this dissatisfaction, the ODS and STAN parties have signaled their intention to continue their current coalition government, according to another report from Brno Daily.
Fiala’s announcement follows recent tributes led by both himself and President Pavel to Pope Francis, as reported by Brno Daily. He is similarly scheduled to receive European Council President Antonio Costa in Brno today, according to a report from the same source.
