Prague [Czech Republic], October 5: The right-wing billionaire populist Andrej Babis won parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic, as his ANO (Yes) party received 36% of the vote with 90% of the electoral districts counted, the Czech Statistical Office reported on Saturday.
After four years in opposition and a defeat in the 2023 presidential election, Babis, 71, has made a political comeback.
The centre-right coalition "Spolu" ("Together") led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala saw its support drop to approximately 22%, according to the partial results. The previously co-governing Mayors' Party received just under 11%.
Two potential coalition partners for Babis are expected to enter parliament: a newly formed motorists' party and the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy party.
Election campaign dominated by the Ukraine war During the campaign, Babis pledged to end his country's arms deliveries to Ukraine. This would bring an end to the Czech grenade initiative, which has supplied Kiev with approximately 3.5 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition since its inception.
The ruling parties, on the other hand, focused their campaign on the threats posed by Russia. Babis accused them of fear-mongering, stating, "I do not know from which direction the Russian tanks are supposed to come." Babis promised lower taxes Observers believe that many voters were more concerned about their own financial situation than foreign policy.
Although the annual inflation rate recently stood at 2.5%, it had reached double-digit levels in 2023. The ANO party promised "lower taxes" and "cheaper energy" on its campaign posters.
When it comes to EU political parties, ANO has shifted and now aligns with Viktor Orban's Fidesz party from Hungary, Austria's Freedom Party or FPÖ, and Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France.
Now it is the president's turn Every four years all 200 seats of the Czech Republic's Chamber of Deputies, the more important chamber of the bicameral parliament in Prague, is elected The constitution grants President Petr Pavel considerable discretion in deciding whom to task to form a government, though it is usually the faction with the most mandates.
The Czech Republic has been a NATO partner since 1999 and an EU member since 2004. The country shares a border of more than 800 kilometres with Germany.
Source: Qatar Tribune
