As of February 2025, the Czech Pirate Party (Česká pirátská strana, Piráti) holds 4 seats in the 200-member Chamber of Deputies, following the 2021 parliamentary elections where they ran in coalition with the Mayors and Independents (STAN) party.

General Politics: Founded in 2009, the Czech Pirate Party is part of the international Pirate movement, emphasizing transparency, civil rights, and direct democracy. Under the leadership of Ivan Bartoš, the party has grown from a minor political group to a significant player in Czech politics, participating in various levels of government, including the national parliament, European Parliament, and municipal assemblies.

Political Position: The party is generally considered center-left, advocating for progressive policies such as government transparency, digital rights, and participatory democracy. It supports civil liberties, environmental sustainability, and social justice, aligning with other progressive movements in Europe.

Voters: The Czech Pirate Party appeals to younger, urban voters who prioritize digital rights, government transparency, and progressive social policies. Its supporters often include professionals, students, and individuals engaged in the tech industry, reflecting the party’s focus on digitalization and innovation.

Policies: The party’s platform includes promoting open government, protecting privacy rights, and implementing direct democracy mechanisms. It advocates for the digitalization of public services, environmental sustainability, and social equality. In the European Parliament, the party’s MEPs are part of the Greens-European Free Alliance group, reflecting their commitment to environmental issues and progressive policies.

Perception on Corruption: The Czech Pirate Party has built its reputation on anti-corruption efforts, emphasizing transparency and accountability in government. Its commitment to open data and participatory governance is seen as a countermeasure to entrenched political corruption, appealing to voters dissatisfied with traditional parties.

In Government: In the 2021 parliamentary elections, the Pirates formed a coalition with the Mayors and Independents (STAN), securing a total of 37 seats, of which 4 were held by Pirate MPs. The coalition joined the governing Cabinet of Petr Fiala, with Ivan Bartoš serving as the Minister for Regional Development. However, in October 2024, following internal disagreements and the dismissal of Bartoš from his ministerial position, the Pirates decided to leave the coalition government.

Recent Developments: After exiting the government in late 2024, the Czech Pirate Party has been focusing on rebuilding its support base and preparing for upcoming elections. The party continues to advocate for its core principles of transparency, digital rights, and participatory democracy, aiming to regain the trust of voters and strengthen its position in Czech politics.

Overall, the Czech Pirate Party remains a significant force in Czech politics, advocating for progressive policies and government transparency, while navigating the challenges of coalition politics and internal dynamics.