ANO leader Andrej Babiš arrived at the party’s headquarters after polls closed. Prague, October 4, 2025.
REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa
As Politico Europe notes
On October 3–4, parliamentary elections were held in the Czech Republic, after which Andrej Babiš returned to the prime minister’s seat. He is known as an oligarch and a populist, while also a critic of initiatives to supply weapons to Ukraine, supported by the country’s president Petr Pavel. Based on the results, analysts expect a strengthening of the anti-establishment trend in Central Europe, particularly through new alliances in Parliament.
According to the final turnout, ANO – the party of the former prime minister from 2017–2021 – gathered about 34.5% of the votes. The new Parliament also included far-right forces SPD and other parties with unusual names, notably “Automobilists for Themselves” and “Pirates.”
“I want to restore normal governance of the state. People know that we achieved results: we ran the country like a company”
Babiš is an experienced politician with a business background: he often calls himself a pragmatist and compares his policy to the governments of Orbán and Fico. He owns Agrofert – an agrochemical holding that brings together hundreds of companies around the world; according to Forbes, his wealth is estimated at about $3.9 billion. Experts note that his career has not been without scandals, including the so-called “Stork’s Nest” affair regarding the use of European funds.
“he is a real populist”
Against the backdrop of the active campaign, attention is growing to how the new Parliament will determine policy on Ukraine and overall security in the region. Experts emphasize that there remains support for Ukraine in the Czech Republic and active involvement in supplying defensive aid, but the future government must develop clear approaches to NATO and the defense budget. SPD and other ultra-right forces may influence coalition scenarios and foreign policy, creating a balance between pragmatism and divergent views among the parties.
“The most important thing to know about Babiš is that he is a pragmatic politician and has always been so. We cannot be completely sure whether this will remain 100% during his potential next term.”
New Parliament: What This Means for Domestic and Foreign Policy
The change in the composition of the Chamber of Deputies could influence key decisions on the economy, energy, and defense. The anti-establishment mood in the region, reinforced by the appearance of new players with unusual names, creates a new balance between pragmatism and rhetoric on migration, security, and relations with the West. At the same time, questions about the sovereignty of the national labor market and regulatory reforms remain a priority for both business and citizens.
Read also:
- Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala congratulates Andrej Babiš on election victory and highlights government achievements in energy independence and economic growth.
- Newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki emphasizes Hungary as a key partner and aims to strengthen Visegrad Group cooperation and NATO’s eastern flank.
- Czech Republic begins two-day parliamentary elections on October 3-4, 2025, with populist ANO party leading polls amid concerns over Ukraine support.
