Martin Stropnický, a former Czech Minister of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Culture, has distanced himself from active politics, believing that an intense focus on public affairs can negatively impact one's health. Despite his initial retreat from public life, he feels compelled to engage again due to the complicated political landscape and a sense of urgency to speak out against the superficiality dominating current political debates. Stropnický originally entered politics in 2013, amidst the fallout from the government of Petr Nečas, which he described as a 'strange' time lacking openness to new voices outside traditional party structures.

He reflects on how the ANO movement, which he joined, initially embodied a group of experienced individuals and a certain ethos that has since diminished. Stropnický laments this erosion of ideals within the party and expresses concern that the vision he originally supported has nearly vanished. Stropnický's insights point to a broader critique of the political environment that now heavily leans towards marketing, social media influence, and immediate public response, overshadowing substantive discourse.

Concluding his reflections, Stropnický dismisses the idea of returning to high-level politics, suggesting that the current climate is far removed from the engaging and meaningful political engagement he once envisioned. His comments reflect a growing disillusionment with the political process, raising questions about the future of political engagement for experienced leaders in Czechia who feel marginalized by contemporary practices.