Seats in Parliament: As of February 2025, the Mayors and Independents (Starostové a nezávislí, STAN) party holds 33 seats in the 200-member Chamber of Deputies, positioning it as a significant force in the Czech Parliament.

General Politics: Established in 2004 as Independent Mayors for the Region (Nezávislí starostové pro kraj, NSK), STAN transformed into its current form in 2009. The party focuses on localism, promoting community involvement at municipal and regional levels. Under the leadership of Vít Rakušan, who also serves as the Minister of the Interior, STAN has expanded its representation in both chambers of the Czech Parliament and the European Parliament.

Political Position: STAN is identified with liberalism, localism, and pro-Europeanism. The party emphasizes decentralization, reduced bureaucracy, and anti-corruption measures, advocating for decisions to be made at the most immediate level consistent with their resolution.

Voters: STAN’s support base includes individuals who prioritize local governance, community engagement, and European integration. The party appeals to voters seeking pragmatic solutions to regional issues and those dissatisfied with centralized political structures.

Policies: The party promotes European integration, improvements to education, and investment in science.

Perception on Corruption: STAN has maintained a focus on anti-corruption measures, advocating for transparency and accountability in government. The party’s emphasis on localism and community involvement is seen as a strategy to reduce opportunities for corruption by bringing governance closer to citizens.

In Government: In the 2021 parliamentary elections, STAN formed the Pirates and Mayors coalition with the Czech Pirate Party, securing a significant number of seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Following the elections, STAN became part of the governing coalition, with Vít Rakušan appointed as the Minister of the Interior. The party has focused on decentralization, education reform, and strengthening regional development.

Recent Developments: In preparation for the 2024 European Parliament elections, STAN explored a new alliance with the Renew Europe group, aiming to strengthen its pro-European stance and influence within the EU. The party’s campaign emphasized economic competitiveness, climate change mitigation, and reducing bureaucracy within the European Union.

Overall, STAN continues to advocate for localism, liberalism, and pro-European policies, maintaining its role as a significant player in Czech politics.