Czech Elections: Billionaire Populist Babis Seeks Power Amid Polarized Politics

Fri Oct 03 2025 01:15:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Czechs head to the polls, populist billionaire Andrej Babis aims for leadership but faces challenges from extreme party alliances amidst fears of rising nationalism and Russian influence.

Czech citizens are preparing to vote with the potential of billionaire Andrej Babis assuming power. His campaign draws inspiration from the U.S. MAGA movement, promoting a 'Strong Czechia' platform. However, with no majority in sight, Babis may need to align with extreme parties that could reshape Czech political alliances and stances on NATO and the EU amidst escalating security concerns and influence from Russia.

Czechs go to the polls on Friday and Saturday, facing a deteriorating security situation in Europe and fears of Russian interference. Populist billionaire Andrej Babis, 71, is tipped to head the next government, replacing the strongly pro-Western, pro-Ukraine coalition. However, he'll likely need allies on the extremes of Czech politics – and their price will not be cheap.

We'll never drag the Czech Republic to the East. I can absolutely rule that out, Babis told a crowd of predominantly elderly supporters gathered in Kladno, near Prague. We weren't the ones who sat down with Putin - we were the ones who expelled Russian diplomats! he asserted, referring to actions taken during his previous term after a 2014 incident involving Russian intelligence.

His rhetoric emphasizes a steadfast commitment to the European Union and NATO, contrasting policies of populist counterparts. Yet, his ANO party is unlikely to win an outright majority, suggesting that he'll have to forge alliances with fringe factions. Potential partners include the ultra-nationalist SPD and the anti-Green-Deal Motorists, with negotiations fraught with challenges.

The extremes of the Czech political landscape could press Babis to reconsider stances on EU and NATO, with some factions advocating for referendums on leaving these unions. Although Babis committed to reform rather than destruction of the EU, concerns linger that any coalition involving parties sympathetic to Russia could alter the Czech Republic's foreign policy.

A younger Czech political activist expressed worry that the nation might follow the path of neighboring Slovakia and Hungary, which are leaning towards far-right governance. Amid fears of increased Russian influence in Czech politics, Babis’s alliances could pose a significant challenge to the existing Czech commitment to support Ukraine and democratic European traditions.

As the election unfolds, the implications of potential partnerships may trigger pivotal changes in Czech foreign and defense policies, prompting dialogues on national security, economic investment, and civil rights.