The Czech Republic's parliamentary elections, held on October 3-4, 2025, have concluded with a victory for billionaire politician Andrej Babiš and his right-wing populist ANO party. ANO secured 80 out of 200 seats, capturing approximately 34.5% of the vote, marking a significant political resurgence for Babiš, who previously served as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021. The election results have sparked discussions about the nation's future foreign policy, particularly concerning its commitment to Ukraine and its relationship with the European Union.
Following the election, Babiš indicated his intention to form a government, acknowledging the need to seek support from other parties. Potential coalition partners mentioned include the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, which garnered 7.9% of the vote, and the right-wing populist Motorists party, with 6.78%. The formation of such a coalition has raised concerns about a potential shift in the Czech Republic's foreign policy, with analysts suggesting it could lead to a stance more aligned with Hungary and Slovakia, countries that have adopted more reserved positions regarding support for Ukraine and have maintained closer ties with Russia.
During his campaign, Babiš focused on domestic issues such as economic growth, tax reductions, and energy prices, while also expressing opposition to the EU's Green Deal and migration pact. This alignment fuels concerns about a potential divergence from the EU's mainstream foreign policy objectives.
While Babiš has stated his commitment to the EU and NATO, his approach to international aid, particularly for Ukraine, appears to be evolving. He has expressed reservations about direct aid, suggesting that support should be channeled through the EU and organized by NATO. Furthermore, he has questioned Ukraine's readiness for EU membership, emphasizing the need for the war to conclude first. Analysts note that Babiš's business interests in agriculture and media, linked to Austria and Germany, may contribute to a more pragmatic approach to relations with Brussels. This nuanced stance, coupled with his focus on a "Czechs first" approach, suggests a potential recalibration of the nation's international commitments.
Voter turnout for the elections was 68.8%. Reports of pro-Russian propaganda spreading on social networks during the elections also add complexity to the assessment of the situation. The Czech Republic's path forward, under a potential new coalition, will be a key indicator of these evolving trends.