Manifesto of Czech progressives proposes alternative to ruling coalition and current opposition

A number of Czech politicians, mostly from non-parliamentary parties, have called for the cooperation of progressive forces in Czech politics, which would provide an alternative to both the ruling coalition and what they have described as the populist opposition ahead of next year’s general elections. The signatories of the Progressive Czech Manifesto, published on Tuesday, are seeking dialogue across the country on the basis of a civic platform, which they say will help bridge the divides in society and restore trust in politics.

Among the initiators of the call is former foreign minister Tomáš Petříček, who on Monday announced the end of his membership in the Social Democracy Party. The manifesto was also signed by the former Pirates Party MEP Mikuláš Peksa, the first vice-chairman of the Greens Tomáš Mígl and the chairman of the Future movement Jakub Kovařík.