Czech TV bars party leaders running for office from upcoming election debate

Česká televize has decided that four opposition party chairs who are standing as candidates in the 2026 elections - Martin Kupka (ODS), Jan Grolich (lidovci), Zdeněk Hřib (Pirátů) and Matěj Ondřej Havel (TOP 09) - will not be allowed to take part in its upcoming debate. The decision follows a review of the broadcaster’s long-standing pre-election regulations, which aim to ensure balance, impartiality and prevent any preferential treatment of individual participants.

According to spokesperson Michal Pleskot, candidates may only appear if their rivals are represented as well, a condition not met in this case. Petr Macinka, leader of the Motoristů party, chose not to join the opposition’s appeal for inclusion. The planned “superdebate” will therefore feature representatives of parties that are not fielding candidates, allowing viewers to hear the broader visions of the major political formations. ČT has not yet announced the names of the participants who will take part. The broadcaster stressed that its rules are designed to preserve the independence and fairness of public media.