Billionaire Andrej Babis’s ANO party won the Czech Republic’s parliamentary election, suggesting a government that may support Europe’s populist and anti-immigration movements and reduce backing for Ukraine. Babis expressed hopes for a one-party cabinet but indicated he would seek support from two smaller parties, including the far-right SPD, due to a lack of majority.
Babis dismissed claims that his election would make the country a less reliable partner in the European Union and NATO, asserting his pro-European and pro-NATO stance. ANO is set to replace the current centre-right government led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who acknowledged his defeat. During the campaign, ANO promised economic improvements, including faster growth, higher wages and pensions, and tax cuts, which appealed to many Czechs facing financial difficulties.
However, Babis has challenges ahead, including legal issues related to his business interests and ongoing fraud charges linked to EU funding. With nearly all votes counted, ANO received about 34.7% of the vote, while the Spolu party secured 23.2%. The president is expected to start discussions with party leaders on forming the next government. ANO is projected to gain around 80 seats in the 200-seat lower house.
Babis plans to engage with the Motorists, who oppose some EU policies, and the SPD. Despite the election outcome, pro-Russian parties did not perform as well as anticipated. Babis, who has shifted his views to become eurosceptic and ally himself with far-right groups, has resisted calls from SPD for a referendum on EU and NATO membership but may reduce Czech support for Ukraine. ANO has proposed that NATO and the EU manage aid for Ukraine instead.
With information from Reuters