Billionaire and populist politician Andrej Babis has made a strong comeback in Czech politics, leading his party ANO to victory in the country’s parliamentary elections. ANO secured just under 35% of the vote, giving it 80 seats in the 200-member lower house — an increase from its 72 seats in the last election.
Speaking to his supporters in Prague, Babis called the result a “historic success.” The former prime minister, who governed from 2017 to 2021, said his goal now is to make the Czech Republic “the best place to live in the European Union.”
The celebratory mood was clear at ANO headquarters, where Babis entered the hall with music playing and supporters cheering. Former finance minister Alena Schillerova and other party members danced as he addressed the crowd.
However, forming a government will not be easy. Babis fell short of a majority and has begun talks with two smaller right-wing parties — Motorists for Themselves and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), led by Tomio Okamura. Both parties share ANO’s criticism of EU environmental policies and the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars.
Relations with SPD may prove challenging. The far-right alliance includes several fringe groups, and Babis has ruled out supporting their demand for a referendum on EU or NATO membership.
If Babis returns as prime minister, Czech policy toward Ukraine could shift. He has promised to review the country’s ammunition initiative that has supplied millions of shells to Ukraine.
Despite criticism, Babis insists the Czech Republic will remain a reliable EU and NATO partner. “We were a very reliable partner before, and we will continue to be,” he told reporters confidently.
