Czech voters head to the polls on Friday and Saturday in an election that could oust Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s centre-right Spolu coalition. Opinion polls suggest populist billionaire Andrej Babis, leader of the ANO party, is poised for a return to power on promises to boost wages, accelerate economic growth, and cut financial aid to Ukraine.
The Czech Republic has faced one of Europe’s sharpest declines in real incomes following pandemic-related inflation and the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Fiala’s government prioritized deficit reduction, many voters remain dissatisfied with the slow recovery, fueling Babis’ populist appeal.
Babis, a close ally of Hungary’s Viktor Orban and a member of the Patriots for Europe group, has criticized Prague’s role in supporting Kyiv. Under Fiala, the Czech Republic donated tanks, vehicles, and spearheaded the “Czech initiative” to secure artillery for Ukraine. Babis has vowed to end the initiative, arguing it is overpriced and better managed by NATO or the EU. Instead, he pledges to redirect resources toward domestic needs, declaring, “We are not in Ukraine. Our programme is for a better life for Czech citizens.”
Despite ANO’s projected 30% vote share—10 points ahead of Spolu—the party is unlikely to secure a majority in the 200-seat parliament. With limited coalition options, Babis may have to seek support from the far-right SPD or the far-left Stacilo!, both critical of the EU and NATO. However, Babis insists he will not pursue an exit from either alliance, rejecting accusations of undermining Czech democracy.
His path to power remains complicated. He faces a conflict of interest over his business empire and an ongoing fraud trial linked to EU subsidies, charges he denies. Still, many Czechs recall feeling “better off” under his previous leadership, strengthening his chances.
Voting takes place Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with results expected Saturday afternoon.