Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka: Victory of Pro-European Parties Is Good News for the Czech Republic and the EU

In the aftermath of the Czech Republic's third election to the European Parliament, I want to thank all people who came and cast their vote to determine the future of our country as a Member State of the European Union.

I am happy to conclude that the Czech electorate has selected parties with pro-European programs, which subscribe to the idea of European integration and to the strengthening of the Czech Republic's presence in the European Union.

It needs to be noted that the recently held elections will go down in history as having drawn a record low voter turnout. I am convinced that the low number of people at polling stations is the consequence of the negative anti-European policies of the former right-wing governments as well as of the fact that the EU's institutions need to be streamlined and brought closer to citizens.

During the first 100 days in office, the Czech Cabinet has successfully embarked on the path of furthering the Czech Republic's reputation and status in the European Union. We want to continue to solidify our country's position in the EU so as to be able to promote responsibly our national interests, to support the Czech economy, and to create new employment opportunities with the aid of both investments and subsidies from the EU's funds.

The election results underscore that the Czech Republic's representatives in the European Parliament will continue to pursue pro-European policies. This is a clear signal that has positive connotations not only for the Czech Cabinet, but for our European partners as well.

Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic