Grolich elected Christian Democrats chair

South Moravian governor Jan Grolich was elected chairman of the KDU-ČSL at a party congress in Ostrava on Friday. The 41-year-old was the only candidate and won 233 of 266 delegate votes, having secured nominations from all 14 regions.

He replaces Marek Výborný, who led the party for two years. After his election, Grolich said he sees the role as a major commitment and the start of a new chapter for the party rather than a final goal.

Grolich aims to bring the party closer to voters and focus on key challenges such as an ageing population, modernization, and the Czech Republic’s role in Europe. The Christian Democrats hold 23 seats in the 200-member lower house.