Former Czech Army Chief of Staff Řehka to Run for Senate in Pilsen

Former Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army Karel Řehka has announced his candidacy for the Senate in elections that will be held alongside municipal elections on October 9–10. The 51-year-old general is running as an independent candidate backed by the STAN movement in the Pilsen-City district, saying he plans to continue focusing on defense and security issues in the upper house of parliament.

Řehka led the Czech armed forces from 2022 until stepping down in early July of this year, when he was succeeded by his former deputy, Miroslav Hlaváč. His choice of Pilsen for the election was no coincidence — he moved there to be with his wife, STAN MP Michaela Řehková (formerly Opltová).

Criticism Over the Timing of His Military Departure

Rumors about Řehka's political ambitions had circulated for some time, but he only officially announced his candidacy in late July. Notably, he technically remained a member of the Czech Armed Forces until the end of August, which drew criticism from several quarters — including Defense Minister Jaroslav Zuna of the SPD party, who had previously accused the former chief of staff of excessive "political activism."

According to Zuna, a serving military officer is entitled to run for political office as an independent candidate, but in his view, running with the backing of a political party in such circumstances is unacceptable.

Controversial Statements as Chief of Staff

During his time as Chief of the General Staff, Řehka repeatedly sparked heated debate with his public statements — for instance, on the need to prepare the army for a large-scale war or on introducing a new model of military service. His remarks won him both supporters and fierce critics.

In the Pilsen region, Řehka faces seven other candidates for the Senate seat, including incumbent ODS senator and mayor Lumír Aschenbrenner. Announcing his candidacy, Řehka said he had devoted his entire life to defense and service to his country, and now wants to put that experience to use for the benefit of the people of Pilsen and all of Czechia.

Source: seznamzpravy.cz