Dogged Billionaire Ex-Premier Eyes Return in Czech Vote

Billionaire ex-premier and self-described “Trumpist” Andrej Babiš appears poised to lead his party to victory in the Czech general election next weekend, potentially aligning the Ukraine-supporting nation closer with EU mavericks such as Hungary and Slovakia.

The current centre-right coalition, in power since 2021, has actively supported Kyiv in response to Russia’s invasion, providing military aid and welcoming war refugees.

However, Babiš’s return could strain relations with both Kyiv and Brussels.

Describing himself as a “peacemonger” advocating for a truce in Ukraine, Babiš has opposed sending military assistance abroad and pledged a “Czechs first” policy. He maintains close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovakian leader Robert Fico, both of whom maintain warm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In 2024, Babiš and Orbán co-founded the far-right Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament, which includes France’s National Rally and other parties.

“It’s no exaggeration to say the vote will determine Czechia’s geopolitical position,” said Petr Just, a political analyst at the Metropolitan University in Prague.

Polls and Electoral Stakes

• Babiš, 71, served as premier from 2017 to 2021 and owns the sprawling farming and chemicals group Agrofert, ranking as the seventh-wealthiest Czech, according to Forbes.
• Polling:

• Election dates: Friday and Saturday

Babiš’s ANO movement is leading the polls, with the Together coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala trailing at 20 percent. Whoever wins is expected to negotiate with smaller parties to form a coalition government.

Fiala, 61, a former political science professor, warned on X against an ANO-led government: “We must not lose our country’s destiny to Russia’s collaborators.”

Fiala’s Together narrowly won the 2021 election, edging out ANO at the last moment, though analysts believe a repeat surprise is unlikely.

“The government always comes from a worse position. Polls show it is losing its own voters, who blame it for failing to keep its promises,” said Just.

Critics have accused Fiala of focusing excessively on Ukraine while neglecting domestic issues such as:

• Tax reduction
• Teachers’ wages
• Judicial reform

Babiš faces several ongoing investigations and controversies:

The Slovak-born tycoon rejects all allegations as politically motivated smears. He has pledged to resolve conflicts of interest between his business empire and political ambitions, though he has provided no details on how.

President Petr Pavel, who will appoint the new government, has indicated potential complications in naming Babiš premier due to these legal and political issues.

ANO may seek partners among:

• Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) – far-right, supports EU exit referendum
• Enough! movement – far-left, also seeks EU referendum

“The talks after the elections will be rather complicated and probably long,” said Just, highlighting the challenges Babiš may face in forming a government.

The upcoming Czech election will not only determine domestic policy but may also shift the country’s geopolitical alignment within Europe, particularly regarding its stance on Ukraine, the EU, and relations with Russia.