The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM) has postponed a decision on the political future of its prominent leader, Kateřina Konečná, following her decision to join the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament.
KSČM postpones decision on Kateřina Konečná after Patriots for Europe move
Although calls for disciplinary action, including possible expulsion, have emerged within the party, no expulsion had been announced as of 27 October 2026.
Konečná’s move on 21 October provoked criticism among sections of the Czech communist movement. KSČM vice-chairman Milan Krajča described the decision as a serious political mistake, while Prague party leader Petra Prokšanová publicly distanced herself from it. The Communist Youth Union (KSM) also called for disciplinary consequences.
The party leadership discussed the controversy at an Executive Committee meeting on 27 October. However, rather than reaching an immediate decision, it postponed further consideration until 3 November, when Konečná is expected to attend in person and explain her position. The committee also decided that party chairman Roman Roun would be the sole public spokesperson on the issue and authorised him to discuss the matter with the Communist Youth Union.
Roun has criticised Konečná’s decision, arguing that Patriots for Europe is a non-communist political group. Nevertheless, he has indicated that he wants to hear her explanation before the party reaches a conclusion. Konečná, for her part, has maintained that she sees no reason to leave KSČM and has defended the move as a way to advance her political programme in the European Parliament.
The dispute raises questions about the party’s political direction and the limits of cooperation with right-wing and nationalist forces at the European level. For KSČM, the immediate issue is whether Konečná’s decision is compatible with the party’s political identity and collective decisions. The leadership’s postponement leaves that question unresolved.