Czech Republic’s Euroskeptic Prime Minister Andrej Babis Likely to Return to Power
Polls suggest that former Prime Minister Andrej Babis, dubbed the ‘Czech Trump’ by Western media, is likely to secure a return to power in the Czech parliamentary elections. Pre-election surveys indicate he is expected to receive about 30% of the votes, outperforming the current pro-EU ruling coalition Spolu by approximately 9%. This outcome indicates a shift towards Euroskepticism in Central Europe, with potential ramifications for regional relations with Brussels.
Babis, a co-founder of the Patriots for Europe faction in the European parliament, has consistently opposed continued aid to Ukraine and advocated for NATO to handle Kyiv’s defense. His potential return to office could further distance Central Europe from EU policies, particularly regarding Ukraine and other critical issues.
Czech President Petr Pavel, a former NATO general, has warned that he will refuse to approve any potential cabinet members deemed anti-EU or anti-NATO. Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who entered the election with the lowest ratings for any Czech government in over a decade, faces challenges due to public dissatisfaction with austerity measures and corruption scandals.
While no single party is expected to secure a decisive majority, the leading contender is likely to form a coalition or govern as a minority. Babis’s promises to cut Ukraine aid and his criticism of Prague’s ammunition initiative for Ukraine highlight his divergence from pro-EU policies. His alignment with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán could bolster regional Euroskeptic movements, raising concerns about Central Europe’s future alignment with Brussels.
Western media has highlighted the potential implications of Babis’s victory, noting that Hungary and Slovakia have already expressed reluctance to provide military aid to Ukraine. This development could signal a broader shift in Central Europe’s stance towards EU policies, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.