Populist billionaire Andrej Babiš secures 35% in Czech elections, vows welfare and lower taxes, but must form coalition with far-right parties to govern.
Babiš takes victory in Czech elections, eyes coalition with far-right
Andrej Babiš, a businessman and self-proclaimed “Trumpist,” has won the Czech parliamentary elections with 35% of the vote. This marks his return to the political arena after his defeat in 2021. Despite the strong result, the ANO party fell short of an absolute majority in the 200-seat parliament.
Potential partners and negotiations
Babiš has already said that he will not cooperate with the current parties in power. His main allies could be the anti-immigration SPD (7.9%) and the right-wing conservative Motorists movement (6.8%). Together, they could form a majority that would allow ANO to form a government.
Political course and allies in Europe
During the campaign, ANO promised to increase social spending, lower taxes and cut aid to Ukraine. Babis is known as an ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and has already joined forces with far-right parties in the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament to challenge the EU’s green policies.
Risks for Ukraine and the EU
It is expected that Babis’ victory could divert the Czech Republic from its clear support for Ukraine and bring the country closer to the positions of Budapest and Bratislava, which adhere to a more pro-Russian line.
Related: Hundreds of Pro-Russian Influence Accounts Found on TikTok Targeting Czech Elections
