The right-wing ANO (YES) party, led by Andrej Babis, has secured around 35% of the parliamentary vote in the Czech general election, surpassing the center-right government led by Petr Fiala, who has conceded defeat. Babis, nicknamed the ‘Czech Trump’ by local media, has vowed to support Europe and NATO, despite his campaign’s criticism of EU policies and Ukraine’s EU membership. The ANO party anticipates forming a one-party cabinet but may need to partner with smaller parties like the far-right SPD or the Motorists, which oppose EU environmental policies and Ukraine’s EU aspirations.
Following his victory, Babis has addressed the media, reaffirming his commitment to Europe and NATO while distancing himself from long-standing accusations of being anti-EU. He explicitly stated, "We want to save Europe… and we are clearly pro-European and pro-NATO," addressing concerns about his party’s alignment with the European bloc. Despite his pro-European rhetoric, Babis has been critical of EU immigration policies and the Green Deal, as well as Ukraine’s potential EU membership. His campaign also included promises to cut aid to Kiev, advocating for more domestic spending instead.
The ANO party’s path to forming a government is expected to be complex, as Babis aims for a one-party cabinet but may need to collaborate with smaller parties such as the far-right SPD and the Motorists. The SPD, which received over 8% of the vote, maintains an explicit anti-EU and anti-NATO stance, contrasting sharply with ANO’s position. The Motorists, another potential coalition partner, strongly oppose EU environmental policies, aligning with ANO’s critique of the Green Deal. Both parties, along with ANO, received significant electoral support, indicating a broader public dissatisfaction with the EU’s policies in Central Europe.
During his re-election campaign, Babis repeatedly criticized the EU’s handling of immigration and its environmental initiatives, while opposing Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations. He has also pledged to abolish the so-called ‘Czech initiative’ project, which was dedicated to supplying ammunition to Ukraine, calling the scheme overpriced. These positions have garnered both support and criticism, highlighting the polarizing nature of his leadership and the growing influence of right-wing sentiments in the Czech Republic’s political arena.