This popular politician from Wallachia has experienced both highs and lows during his long career. Nevertheless, he has maintained his popularity to this day, as evidenced by the most recent Senate elections, in which he won re-election in the first round. He has served continuously in the upper chamber since 2006. The year 2006 was particularly significant for him; in addition to his Senate seat, he became chairman of the KDU-ČSL, replacing Miroslav Kalousek. At the same time, he became first vice-chairman and Minister for Regional Development in Topolánek’s second government. At the local level, he served for nearly 23 years on the Vsetín City Council, serving as mayor for almost half of that time. In addition, he is a representative of the Zlín Region and, since 2016, has also served as its governor. He is married, and he and his wife Pavla have four daughters.