A record number of young politicians have entered the Czech parliament following the October 3–4 elections — marking a fourfold increase compared to the previous term. Twelve lawmakers under the age of 30 have won seats, making up 6% of the lower house. The majority represent the Pirate Party and Mayors and Independents (STAN).

Among them is Julie Smejkalová (STAN), who, at just 21 years old — the legal minimum age to become an MP — becomes the youngest member of parliament in Czech history.

“It’s great to have real role models”

To better understand what’s driving this surge in youth representation, Czech Radio spoke with Helena Martínková, co-president of the Association of Political Youth Organizations and chairwoman of the Young Christian Democrats (KDU-ČSL).

“I think what happened is amazing! It’s great to have debates about youth engagement and the role of younger generations, but it’s even more important to have real role models — to see that young people can be active in politics not just in theory, but in practice,” Martínková said. “It’s something truly achievable.”

Several of the newly elected MPs are — or have been — members of the Association of Political Youth Organizations, which brings together the youth wings of eight Czech political parties. Founded in 2015, the association has between 2,000 and 2,500 members nationwide, with most activity concentrated in larger cities such as Prague and Brno, though regional branches are active as well.

Bridging divides through youth cooperation

The association serves two main purposes: organizing school debates and hosting public discussions that bring together young representatives across the political spectrum.

Martínková explains that this cooperation helps depoliticize school events and encourages respectful public dialogue:

“We want to hold public debates to show that the political spectrum is truly broad — that there are many different views on current issues. I believe this association shows that it’s possible to talk about really complicated and important social topics in a way that is understandable and at the same time polite.”

Many of the newly elected young MPs share this spirit of cooperation. They have pledged to work across party lines on issues that matter to young voters — and to model a more constructive, respectful tone in parliamentary debates.

Martínková welcomes the ambition:

“It won’t be easy, but I’m already seeing efforts to engage in more thoughtful criticism. I’m optimistic this approach can lead to real change.”

Why voters turned to youth

What explains the sudden rise in support for young candidates? Drawing on her experience from two previous election cycles, Martínková identifies a major shift in political strategy.

“Eight years ago, youth issues were seen as something to maybe include in party programmes. Four years ago, the idea was to add a few young candidates and perhaps a youth agenda,” she said. “But this year, it became a full package — parties developed dedicated programmes for young people, promoted young candidates, and the media played a huge role by creating formats focused entirely on youth voices.”

This attention has not come out of nowhere. According to Martínková, it is largely the result of years of advocacy by political youth organizations.

“Good people in youth wings have been pushing for this. They kept saying: We are here. We have our programmes. We have our people. We’re active — even in the regions.”

Shifting priorities: From climate to housing

The issues resonating with young voters have also evolved. While previous elections were dominated by topics like the environment, healthcare, and values, this year affordable housing emerged as the central concern for younger generations.

Martínková and other youth leaders hope that the increased presence of under-30 MPs will translate into tangible progress — especially on housing and other social challenges.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Martínková said. “A stronger youth voice in parliament can make a real difference. But we’ll have to wait and see how that plays out in practice.”