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Senate of the Czech Republic

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Senate of the Czech Republic
NameSenate of the Czech Republic
Native nameSenát Parlamentu České republiky
LegislatureParliament of the Czech Republic
House typeUpper house
BodyParliament of the Czech Republic
Foundation1996
Leader1 typePresident
Leader1Miloš Vystrčil
Party1ODS
Election12020
Leader2 type1st Vice-President
Leader2Jiří Růžička
Party2STAN
Election22024
Members81
Political groups1Government (40), ODS (23), KDU-ČSL (12), STAN (5), Opposition (41), ANO 2011 (15), Senate Club (11), Pirates and Mayors (7), TOP 09 (5), SPD (3)
Voting system1Two-round system
Last election12022 (1/3 of seats)
Next election12024 (1/3 of seats)
Meeting placeWallenstein Palace, Prague
Websitehttps://www.senat.cz/

Senate of the Czech Republic. The upper chamber of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, established by the Constitution of the Czech Republic in 1992. It is composed of 81 senators elected from single-member constituencies for six-year terms, with one-third of seats contested every two years. The Senate's primary roles include reviewing legislation passed by the Chamber of Deputies, providing consent to key presidential appointments, and participating in the declaration of war.

History and establishment

The chamber was conceived during the drafting of the new constitutional framework following the Dissolution of Czechoslovakia. Inspired by historical bodies like the Czechoslovak National Council and bicameral traditions, its creation was a key component of the Velvet Divorce negotiations. The first elections were held in 1996, with the inaugural session taking place in the Wallenstein Palace, a historic complex acquired from the Czech National Heritage Institute. Early political battles saw dominance by the ODS under Václav Klaus, shaping its initial role as a stabilizing check on the lower house.

Composition and electoral system

Senators are elected from 81 constituencies based on administrative regions, using a two-round system. Candidates, who must be at least 40 years old, are typically nominated by major parties like ANO 2011, ODS, and KDU-ČSL, or local movements such as STAN. The staggered electoral cycle ensures continuity, with contests like the 2020 Czech Senate election and the upcoming 2024 Czech Senate election renewing one-third of the membership. This system contrasts with the proportional representation used for the Chamber of Deputies.

Powers and functions

Its constitutional powers include reviewing and amending bills passed by the Chamber of Deputies, with the ability to return legislation or propose changes. The chamber must grant consent to appointments of Constitutional Court justices and members of the Czech National Bank board. It also holds the authority, alongside the President of the Czech Republic, to declare a state of war. Furthermore, it can impeach the president before the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic and ratify international treaties like those of NATO and the European Union.

Relationship with the Chamber of Deputies

The relationship is defined by a legislative ping-pong process; if the Senate rejects a bill, the Chamber of Deputies can override it with an absolute majority. However, for constitutional acts and electoral laws, Senate approval is mandatory. This dynamic was tested during debates on the Lisbon Treaty and healthcare reforms. While the lower house holds greater political leverage, the upper chamber acts as a deliberative body, often slowing legislation from coalitions like the former Government of Petr Fiala.

Leadership and internal organization

The presiding officer is the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, a position held by figures such as Miloš Vystrčil of the ODS and his predecessor, Jaroslav Kubera. The president is assisted by vice-presidents, including Jiří Růžička of STAN. Internal work is conducted through committees like the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security and the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs. The Senate Office, led by the Secretary General, provides administrative support for operations centered in the Wallenstein Palace and the Kolovrat Palace.

Notable senators and elections

Prominent senators have included former Prime Minister Jiří Rusnok, longtime senator and Mayor of Prague Pavel Bem, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Josef Zieleniec. Significant electoral contests include the 1996 inaugural vote and the 2018 election where ANO 2011 gained ground. The 2022 Czech Senate election solidified a right-leaning majority. Historical figures like Václav Havel advocated for the chamber's role, while its members have participated in key diplomatic missions, including Miloš Vystrčil's controversial visit to Taiwan.

Category:National upper houses Category:Government of the Czech Republic Category:1996 establishments in the Czech Republic