The regions in the Czech Republic, created to bridge the gap between the fragmented local government of over 6,000 small municipalities and a centralized state in Prague, have only partially succeeded in their role, according to Michal Pink, a political scientist from Masaryk University in Brno. Pink highlights the structural and functional shortcomings of the regional system, which has led to disparities and inefficiencies across the country. When the regions were established 25 years ago, there was no clear consensus on their intended function, Pink notes. Discussions at the time considered three potential frameworks: 1. Merging Districts: Proposals to create 35 units by merging two or three districts could have facilitated better health care provision. 2. Reinstating Historical Lands: Re-establishing Bohemia and Moravia-Silesia as self-governing entities, alongside a metropolitan area for Prague, might have allowed for more unified transport, emergency services, and education systems. 3. The Current Model: Ultimately, 13 regions and the capital city of Prague were established, with Prague having the same status as a region but excluded from regional elections. This fragmented approach has resulted in uneven service delivery and the emergence of “inland peripheries” — areas within regions that are neglected due to their geographical distance from regional centers. For example, Malá Haná, spanning the South Moravian, Pardubice, and Olomouc regions, suffers from poor road quality and limited health care access. Public transport in such areas is also inadequate, with uncoordinated train and bus connections. The regional structure has not addressed fundamental issues such as catchment areas and has led to the growth of a large bureaucratic apparatus. “In a country of just 10 million people, many functions could be managed centrally, especially with modern digital tools,” Pink argues. The disparity in the electoral system further exacerbates regional inequalities. In populous regions like South Moravia, Central Bohemia, and Moravia-Silesia, a regional deputy requires three times more votes to secure a mandate compared to counterparts in smaller regions like Karlovy Vary or Liberec. Pink suggests that smaller regions with fewer voters should have a reduced number of councillors — around 20 instead of the current 45 — to balance representation. Despite the challenges, Pink acknowledges some benefits of the regional system. The creation of a new political tier has cultivated a generation of regional politicians. Medium-sized regions often manage their resources effectively, maintaining roads and assets with a better understanding of local conditions. Public transport within counties is also simpler and more adaptable compared to a centralized system. Looking forward, Pink emphasizes the need for clearer definitions of regional roles, more equitable electoral representation, and the potential centralization of certain administrative functions to improve efficiency. While the regional system has its flaws, with targeted reforms, it can better serve the Czech Republic’s citizens and foster balanced development across the country. Source: Masaryk University and CTK