Libertas.cz: The Complex Political Origins of the Czech Eurosceptic Party
The emergence of Libertas.cz in the Czech Republic is a story of political maneuvering, unexpected alliances, and a confusing relationship with a broader pan-European movement. At its core, the party's formation was tied to the efforts of Declan Ganley and his European alliance, Libertas.eu, which sought to establish a network of eurosceptic (critics of European Union integration) parties across the continent.
The Struggle for a Czech Branch
Initially, Declan Ganley attempted to establish an official Czech branch of Libertas.eu. This process involved extensive negotiations with prominent Czech eurosceptics, including President Václav Klaus. However, these efforts ultimately failed. The newly formed Party of Free Citizens, which received the endorsement of President Klaus, unexpectedly declined to cooperate with Ganley's pan-European alliance.
This refusal left the "Libertas" name available and unclaimed within the Czech Republic, creating a political vacuum that another figure was quick to fill.
The Rise of Vladimír Železný
By January 21, 2009, Vladimír Železný—a former media mogul and a Member of the European Parliament known for his eurosceptic views—successfully registered a party under the name Libertas.cz. At the time of registration, it remained ambiguous whether Železný had acted with the consent of the European Libertas.eu organization or had independently seized the branding.
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The party attracted several notable supporters, including Jana Bobošíková and Vlastimil Tlustý. Initially, the relationship between the local Czech entity and the European movement was hostile; Declan Ganley and his followers promptly disavowed the party, distancing Libertas.eu from Železný's venture.
Political Shifts and the Volte-Face
The political landscape shifted following the intervention of Václav Klaus. Two Members of Parliament, Vlastimil Tlustý and Jan Schwippel, decided to leave the ODS (Civic Democratic Party) to join Libertas.cz. This influx of parliamentary representation led to a volte-face—a complete reversal of attitude—by the European Libertas.eu. Despite their previous disavowal, the European alliance eventually claimed Libertas.cz as an official affiliate.
Key Facts
- Registration Date: Libertas.cz was registered on January 21, 2009.
- Founder: The party was registered by Vladimír Železný, a Member of the European Parliament.
- Key Figures: Notable members included Jana Bobošíková, Vlastimil Tlustý, and Jan Schwippel.
- European Connection: Originally disavowed by Declan Ganley, it was later claimed as an affiliate of Libertas.eu.
- Political Catalyst: The party's growth was aided by members defecting from the ODS.
| Entity/Person | Role/Relationship to Libertas.cz | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Declan Ganley | Founder of Libertas.eu | Initially disavowed, then claimed affiliation. |
| Vladimír Železný | MEP and Media Mogul | Registered the party on Jan 21, 2009. |
| Václav Klaus | Czech President | Endorsed Party of Free Citizens; later intervened in MP shifts. |
| Tlustý & Schwippel | Former ODS MPs | Joined Libertas.cz, increasing its political weight. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who registered Libertas.cz?
The party was registered by Vladimír Železný, a former media mogul and Member of the European Parliament, on January 21, 2009.
Why did Declan Ganley initially disavow the party?
Ganley's attempts to create a formal Czech branch of Libertas.eu through negotiations with Václav Klaus had failed, and Železný registered the name independently, leading to an initial lack of consent and recognition.
What is a "volte-face" in the context of Libertas.eu?
In this context, a volte-face refers to the sudden reversal of position by the European Libertas.eu, which went from disavowing Libertas.cz to claiming it as an affiliate after the party gained parliamentary members.
Which politicians left the ODS to join Libertas.cz?
Vlastimil Tlustý and Jan Schwippel were the two Members of Parliament who left the ODS to join the party following the intervention of Václav Klaus.
Did the Party of Free Citizens cooperate with Libertas.eu?
No, the Party of Free Citizens, despite being endorsed by Václav Klaus, unexpectedly refused to cooperate with Declan Ganley's pan-European alliance.