"The voters dealt a clear hand. They cast most of their votes for change at the town hall, but the current coalition decided to carry on regardless of the election results. STAN's decision sends a clear signal to voters that the only real chance for change is 8žije," says Václav Stránský.
STAN rejected a coalition for change, choosing to stick with ANO instead
Immediately after the election, 8žije offered STAN, TOP 09, and the Pirates the chance to form a new coalition, which would have held a comfortable majority of 25 out of 45 seats. We were even ready to let STAN have the mayoral seat.
"Nationally, STAN presents itself as a fierce opponent of Andrej Babiš and his ANO movement. In Prague 8, however, they clearly have no issue working with ANO. They even prefer them over partnering with the election winner, with whom they could have built a stable majority coalition. How can voters trust STAN's political statements when their principles change depending on where government roles are being handed out?" Stránský asks.
Prague 8 needs change, not the continuation of a power cartel
The current leadership of Prague 8 leaves behind a long list of unresolved issues—ranging from the long-neglected development of Palmovka and a shortage of school slots to controversial development projects and a lack of transparency at the town hall.
"The election proved that people want change. Instead, they are getting another four years of the exact same power dynamic that has ruled here for the past eight years. This is a missed opportunity for all of Prague 8. However, we will keep fighting for the goals we won the election on: a transparent town hall, quality schools, and the meaningful development of our neighborhoods under the oversight of our guarantors and politicies—serving the citizens, not the interests of a tight-knit inner circle," Stránský concludes.
We will keep working for a better Prague 8
Representing 8žije, Praha sobě, and the Greens, we will continue to strictly monitor the leadership's actions and defend the interests of Prague 8 residents. For us, winning the election is a commitment that doesn't end just because the other parties chose to keep the old coalition alive.We are not giving up! If you want to support us, sign up for our newsletter, send a donation, or join our team! In four years, we will show them at the ballot box.