(Prague, 3 June 2026)
In May, during its 10th electoral term, the Chamber of Deputies held a total of 9 sitting days within its 16th,17th, 18th, 19th and 20th sessions.
In addition to the plenary sessions, intensive work also took place in the committees, which dealt, for example, with personnel and institutional matters, including a public hearing of candidates for membership in the Czech Radio Council and a discussion of the proposal to appoint a new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic. The activities also included seminars, roundtables, and other professional events organized under the patronage of members of Parliament.
Parliamentary Affairs
Commemorative Events – Remembrance of World War II and Related Historical Anniversaries
In the Czech Republic, a series of commemorative events took place on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Victory Day over Nazism, and related historical anniversaries, including remembrance of wartime resistance and victims of Nazi persecution.
The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Tomio Okamura, together with Deputy Speakers Jiří Barták and Jan Skopeček, attended key state commemorations, including the Terezín memorial ceremony and the national ceremony at the National Memorial on Vítkov.
Members of the Chamber of Deputies also participated in additional commemorative ceremonies across the country, reflecting various moments of national remembrance connected to the Second World War and the anti-Nazi resistance.
On 7–8 May 2026, MPs Jana Černochová and Karel Haas took part in commemorative ceremonies in France, held in Reims, Arras, and surrounding areas, marking the end of World War II in Western Europe.
Public Hearing – Czech Radio Council Candidates
On 14 May 2026, the Chamber held a public hearing for candidates to the Council of Czech Radio initiated by the Speaker.
Candidates presented their visions. The Committee on Media Affairs subsequently shortlisted three candidates for final election.
Visit of the Head of the Office of the Slovak National Council
On 18 May 2026, the Chamber hosted Daniel Guspan, Head of the Office of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
Discussions focused on parliamentary administration, AI tools, and security cooperation. Both sides agreed to establish reciprocal student internships.
Chamber of Deputies Open Day
On 8 May 2026, the Chamber of Deputies held its traditional Open House Day.
Visitors toured the Thun Palace, including the plenary hall, ceremonial staircase, State Acts Hall, and press atrium. The event was attended by Speaker Tomio Okamura, Deputy Speaker Jiří Barták, and Head of the Office Martin Plíšek.
The Parliamentary Educational Centre (Parlamentárium), which features expanded interactive programmes introduced in the spring, and the Information Centre were also open to the public. The Parlamentárium serves as an educational space where visitors can explore the history, role, and activities of parliament through multimedia presentations.
Memorandum on Spiritual Service in the Chamber of Deputies
On 12 May 2026, a renewed Memorandum on Spiritual Service was signed between the Chamber of Deputies, the Czech Bishops’ Conference, the Ecumenical Council of Churches, and the Federation of Jewish Communities.
The agreement continues chaplaincy services for MPs and staff for another four-year period.
Night of Churches – Parliamentary Chapel Open Day
On 29 May 2026, the parliamentary chapel in the Sternberg Palace was opened to the public as part of the Night of Churches event.
The opening ceremony was led by Head of the Office Martin Plíšek, Auxiliary Bishop Zdenek Wasserbauer, and chaplain Vojtěch Mátl. Over 460 visitors attended.
The chapel was designed by architect Josef Pleskot and combines symbolic religious and cultural elements.
Charitable Orienteering Event in the Chamber of Deputies
Between 19–22 May 2026, the Chamber hosted the second annual Charitable Orienteering Event organized by the Czech Orienteering Association.
The event was held under the patronage of Minister Boris Šťastný, Deputy Speaker Patrik Nacher, MP Jana Pastuchová, and MP Karel Haas.
More than 240 participants took part, including junior world champion Daniel Bolehovský. Proceeds from the event will support children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds through sports programmes.
Interparliamentary Diplomacy
Bilateral Meeting with the President of Finland
On 4 May 2026, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Tomio Okamura, received the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, at the Chamber of Deputies in Prague.
The President met as well with Deputy Speaker Patrik Nacher, MP Lucie Šafránková, and Czech Chargé d’affaires ad interim in Finland Ondřej Fiala.
Meeting with the Speaker of the Serbian National Assembly
On 22 May 2026, Speaker of the Serbian National Assembly Ana Brnabić was received at the Chamber of Deputies by Speaker Tomio Okamura. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and European integration.
NATO Parliamentary Assembly Seminar – Rome
Between 11–13 May 2026, members of the Czech delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly participated in a seminar in Rome focused on NATO’s Mediterranean and Middle East engagement.
Delegates included MPs Karel Beran, Pavel Žáček, and Helena Langšádlová.
OSCE Parliamentary Conference – Rome
On 14–15 May 2026, MPs Michal Ratiborský and Jan Bauer participated in an OSCE interparliamentary conference on combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and international security cooperation.
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe – Monaco
On 21–22 May 2026, MP Petr Sokol participated in the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Monaco, focusing on procedural reform and cooperation with the Venice Commission.
PD SEI Parliamentary Meeting in Bucharest
Between 26–28 May 2026, the Parliamentary Dimension of the Central European Initiative met in Bucharest. Head of delegation MP Věra Kovářová presented the Czech position on strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity, and strategic resilience.
NATO Parliamentary Assembly – Vilnius
Between 29 May–1 June 2026, MPs Ivan Bartoš and Pavel Žáček attended the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in Vilnius.
The Assembly emphasized collective defence, support for Ukraine, and strengthening parliamentary involvement in security policy.
Photos: Office of the Chamber of Deputies / Lukáš Janičina
