Konečná stays as Communist leader as Social Democrats end cooperation

Kateřina Konečná remains chair of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM) after delegates at an extraordinary congress declined to propose a vote on new leadership, despite the party’s election setback within the Enough! (Stačilo!) left wing grouping. Party spokesman Roman Roun said the move showed clear support for Konečná ahead of a regular congress in May. Former KSČM deputy leader Jiří Dolejš criticised the decision as proof of the party’s lack of modernising potential. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats (SOCDEM) elected Jiří Nedvěd as their new leader and declared cooperation with Stačilo! a closed chapter. Nedvěd said the party now aims to win back voters disappointed by the emerging government led by ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and the Motorists’ party.