In a busy electoral year for Liberals in Europe, Martina Dlabajova MEP, ELF Vice-President and ALDE Party Member of the European Parliament, shares her views on the Czech elections:

“Election result is not only a victory for ANO in the Czech Republic, but also for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe. ANO has been successfully strengthening its position and after regional elections last year, it is another big success. There is now no doubt ANO is the main political player in the Czech Republic. With this result also comes a great responsibility towards voters and all the citizens of our country.

The post-election situation is now complicated and the negotiations will not be easy either, but I do believe ANO will be the leader in establishing a new Czech government and ALDE will soon have eight liberal prime ministers!

ANO has always clearly stated that our place is within the EU. I strongly hope that ANO will be able to build a coalition that will strengthen the position and influence of the Czech Republic at the European level and will contribute constructively to the reform of the EU.

What is alarming, however, about the election results, is the great success of the Freedom and Free Democracy party (SPD), an extremist and nationalist party! This dangerous trend is becoming increasingly prevalent across Europe and we need to pay attention to this. SPD has gained political success by growing fear and hatred. It is my hope that people will soon find out that their program is unrealistic and misleading people into the illusion of isolation that will undermine and pull us out from the very heart of Europe.”