Prague, Czech Republic – A new generation is making its presence felt in Czech politics and Katerina Demetrashvili, a 22-year-old member of parliament, is quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Elected in October 2025, Demetrashvili, representing the Pirate Party, is challenging established norms and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, even to seasoned political figures like former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
Demetrashvili’s arrival in the Czech Parliament, along with other young female politicians like Julie Smejkalová, initially led some veteran lawmakers to underestimate their impact. Expectations were that these newcomers would be hesitant and easily intimidated. However, those assumptions proved incorrect. Demetrashvili and her peers are demonstrating a willingness to engage directly with their colleagues, regardless of experience or political affiliation.
Smejkalová, a member of STAN, quickly gained attention for her direct approach. According to reports, she confronted Prime Minister Babiš regarding the establishment of a subcommittee on mental health, questioning the delays despite it being a stated priority for the new government. “Yes, I discussed mental health with the Prime Minister because there was no clear information about whether the subcommittee would be created or not,” Smejkalová reportedly said. “I simply went to him because it really matters to me. We agreed that it is necessary to address this issue not only across ministries but also in the Chamber of Deputies.”
Demetrashvili, born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in the Czech Republic from the age of one, brings a unique perspective to Czech politics. Her mother is from Georgia, and her father is currently fighting with the Georgian Legion on the side of Ukraine against the Russian invasion, serving as a sniper. Demetrashvili herself holds both American and Czech citizenship, obtaining Czech citizenship in June 2022. She is currently a student at the Faculty of Law at Charles University in Prague, building on a foundation that includes graduating from the Music Gymnasium of Prague, where she also served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper.
This background, combined with her involvement in youth political organizations – including a role as Vice-Chair of Young Pirates – has shaped her independent and assertive style. She previously was a member of Young Mayors (Mladí Starostové) but left, citing discrepancies between the party’s platform and the voting behavior of its representatives.
Demetrashvili’s willingness to challenge the status quo isn’t limited to interactions with the Prime Minister. Reports indicate a heated exchange during a commission meeting on hybrid threats, where she defended a colleague, Miroslav Krejčí of the Motorist Party, against criticism from Miroslav Ševčík of the SPD. Ševčík reportedly expressed a desire for the state to avoid engaging with individuals susceptible to disinformation, prompting a debate about the state’s role in defining and addressing misinformation.
The young MP’s directness has also been noted by other members of parliament. Some ANO representatives, who themselves sometimes struggle to persuade their party leader, have observed her ability to engage directly with Babiš without hesitation. Smejkalová herself doesn’t spot anything unusual about her approach, stating simply, “I’m not afraid of him, why should I be?”
Smejkalová also advocates for a more collaborative approach to opposition politics, actively engaging with members of other parties, including the Motorist Party and the SPD. She believes that finding common ground with the governing coalition is essential for achieving legislative progress. “If we want to achieve something from the opposition, we must talk to government MPs and try to find consensus. Otherwise, we will close ourselves off in our bubbles,” she explained.
Demetrashvili’s current parliamentary roles include membership in the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, as of November 2025. She is also a member of the Standing Committee for the Control of the Office for Foreign Relations and Information, and the Subcommittee on Mental Health, as of February 12, 2026. Her official parliamentary profile details these assignments and provides contact information.
The emergence of politicians like Demetrashvili and Smejkalová signals a potential shift in Czech political culture. Their willingness to challenge established norms and engage directly with their colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, could lead to a more dynamic and collaborative political environment. It remains to be seen how their influence will grow, but their early actions suggest they are determined to make their voices heard.
As the Czech Parliament continues its session, Demetrashvili’s operate on the Foreign Affairs and Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committees will be closely watched. Her advocacy for a subcommittee on mental health remains a key issue, and further developments on that front are expected in the coming weeks. The next scheduled session of the Chamber of Deputies is set for March 22nd, where these issues are likely to be further debated.
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