The Czech Republic’s parliamentary elections, have brought a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The populist ANO movement, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, emerged as the clear winner, securing 34.5 % of the vote — its strongest result in years. Despite the victory, ANO fell short of an outright majority, winning 80 of the 200 seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
The governing coalition led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, running under the “SPOLU” banner, came in second with 23.4 %, marking a major setback for the center-right alliance that had been in power since 2021. Among smaller parties, the Mayors and Independents (STAN) achieved 11 %, while the Pirate Party garnered 8.7 %. The right-wing, Eurosceptic Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) movement took 7.9 %, and the emerging Motorists’ Party (AUTO) managed a surprisingly strong 6.8 %, securing representation in parliament for the first time.
Because ANO does not hold a majority, Babiš must now negotiate with potential partners to form a government. Talks have already begun with SPD and the Motorists, whose combined support would give ANO a narrow majority of 108 seats. However, these discussions are expected to be difficult: both parties are demanding key ministerial posts and hold more radical positions, particularly regarding the European Union and NATO, than ANO might be willing to embrace.
President Petr Pavel, known for his pro-European stance, has indicated that he will not accept ministerial nominations that could undermine the Czech Republic’s commitment to the EU and NATO. This sets the stage for a complex political struggle in the weeks ahead.
Babiš’s return to the forefront of Czech politics also revives controversy surrounding his previous tenure. He continues to face allegations of conflict of interest and misuse of EU funds, which his opponents argue should disqualify him from leading the government.
On the international stage, the election results could have wider implications. Babiš has already suggested a more cautious approach toward military and financial support for Ukraine, a policy reversal from the outgoing government’s firm pro-Kyiv stance. His victory also strengthens a growing bloc of nationalist and Eurosceptic governments in Central Europe, aligning the Czech Republic more closely with Hungary and Slovakia on key policy issues.
Domestically, the formation of a coalition with right-wing or populist partners could push Czech politics further to the right, influencing policies on migration, climate change, and social matters. As coalition talks unfold, it remains uncertain whether Babiš will be able to balance his ambitions with the institutional and public constraints that define Czech democracy.
