Mr. Hamáček was elected in a secret ballot in the most widely contested leadership election in the history of the Czech Social Democratic party, which indicates the deep democratic roots of the process.
PES president Sergei Stanishev said:
“I congratulate Jan Hamáček on his election, and ČSSD on electing a strong candidate to lead their party.
“I am also delighted that the party congress has decided to enter negotiations for forming a new Czech government. They begin from a clear and principled position, committed to constructive negotiations with moderate parties while rejecting extremism and corruption.
“As negotiations continue, the coming months will be of vital importance not only for the Social Democratic party, but for the Czech people as a whole. ČSSD as a full member of the PES and Mr Hamáček have the support of the entire progressive family of Europe.”