The Czech Pirate Party has been led by Ivan Bartoš since 2016. Under his leadership, they became the third largest party in the Czech Republic after the 2017 legislative election, with 22 seats.[2] Bartoš also led the party during the 2021 election, which the party contested as part of the Pirates and Mayors electoral alliance. Due to preferential voting, the Pirates received only four seats of the 37 seats won by the alliance. After the election, a part of the membership called for Bartoš' resignation.[3] The party joined the new government following the election before suffering heavy losses in 2024 European Parliament and regional elections. Bartoš then resigned on the position of leader and announced he would not run in the upcoming leadership election.[4][5] Several political scientists including Lukáš Valeš, Petr Fischer, and Thomas Kulidakis mentioned Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský, MEP Markéta Gregorová and Jana Michailidu as potential candidates. Fischer also mentioned outgoing Plzeň region governor Rudolf Špoták [cs] as someone who shows interest in running.[6]
On 23 September 2024, Lipavský stated that he would not run due to his duties as a Minister as well as him not feeling like someone who could unite the party.[7] Gregorová also declined to run stating that it would not be fair to voters who elected her to European Parliament.[8] Špoták expressed interest in running but noted that he does not feel support within the party.[9][10] Josef Soumar, candidate for Souh Bohemian governor noted Hana Hajnová [cs] as potential candidate. Hajnová stated that she is willing to participate in leadership of the party but he candidacy depends on who would run for leadership.[11] On 23 September 2024 Mikuláš Peksa and Jana Holomčík Leitnerová [cs] admitted that they consider running.[12]
