Are the Czech Parties Serious about Climate? - Seminar recap
On March 26, 2025 the OHPA hosted a seminar with Prof. Petra Vodová from the University of Hradec Králové. In her talk, Are the Czech Parties Serious about Climate?, she examined the evolving relationship between the Czech Pirate Party and the Green Party, focusing on their respective approaches to environmental and climate policy. Although both parties appeal to younger, educated, and urban voters, and share commitments to participatory democracy, their paths have significantly diverged.
Professor Vodová explained that the Green Party's past association with a scandal-tainted government created long-standing reputational challenges. As a result, the Pirate Party remains cautious about formal cooperation, concerned about adopting the Greens’ perceived political "toxicity." Ideologically, the Greens advocate for urgent climate action and systemic industrial reform, framing climate change as a moral imperative. Conversely, the Pirates prefer a pragmatic, data-driven approach, focusing on adaptation, individual freedoms, and market-compatible solutions, while resisting heavy regulatory measures.
At the European and regional levels, selective cooperation exists, with the Pirates favouring alliances with the Greens’ pragmatic factions. Professor Vodová also noted the Czech Republic’s broader climate scepticism, shaped by nationalism and industrial priorities. The emergence of populist parties like the Motorists' Party reflects public resistance to green policies.
Professor Vodová concluded that despite surface similarities, these two parties pursue distinct strategies shaped by ideology, history, and public sentiment.
The full talk as well as the subsequent discussion is available to view on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/mSefDJn7D7Y