Karel Řehka, the former chief of the Czech general staff, will run as an independent candidate for the Senate in the Plzeň-city district in this autumn's elections, with the backing of the Mayors and Independents (STAN) movement. His candidacy was approved by the party's national committee.
Řehka stepped down as chief of the general staff on June 30, ending his military career before pivoting to politics. Following his departure from the armed forces, he joined the administrative board of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň.
The Senate race in Plzeň-city adds a prominent national-security figure to the field of candidates heading into the autumn vote. STAN, a centrist movement focused on local governance, has moved to support his bid despite his independent status.