In today’s Czech parliamentary elections, Andrej Babis’s ANO party won a historic victory while pledging reforms and promising to form a single‑party government.
Andre Babis Announces Historic Win and New Ambitions
Andre Babis declared his satisfaction at ANO’s “historical result” and promised that the new government would work hard to implement the party’s platform from day one. He stated the program would be fully realized for a better future and that the coalition would aim to be a single‑party administration. With 80 of the 200 parliamentary seats, Babis acknowledged that majority support would still be needed from other parties and announced talks with the right‑wing Zmotoryzowanych party and the far‑right SPD.
ANO Leader Outlines Urgent Priorities
Babis called the refusal of a hospital to refund prostate‑cancer medication for 30 individuals a scandal that could cost lives. He vowed to address the issue and added that the government would reject the migration pact and the ETS 2 emissions‑trading extension. The announcement emphasized daily concerns of citizens and the need for decisive action.
Babis Criticizes Ruling Government and Supports Ukraine Arms
When questioned about supplying munitions to Ukraine, Babis expressed disapproval of profiteering from war, pledged an honest discussion with President Zelensky, and stated that the Czech government would not hinder Czech companies from exporting arms. He highlighted the government’s neglect of citizens—citing unmet healthcare, single mothers’ needs, and insufficient health insurance contributions—and promised to redirect funds to the public.
Official Parliamentary Seat Distribution Revealed
President Petr Pavel announced Sunday meetings with all parliamentary parties. ANO received nearly 2 million votes (34.59 %) and 80 seats. The SPOLU coalition, led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, secured 1.3 million votes (23.33 %) and 52 seats. Burmistrzowie i Niezależni garnered 630 000 votes (11.21 %) and 22 seats. The Czech Pirate Party obtained 0.5 million votes (8.93 %) and 18 seats. SPD achieved 437 000 votes (7.8 %) and 15 seats, while the new right‑wing Zmotoryzowani collected 380 000 votes (6.78 %) and 13 seats.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala Calls for Acceptance of Results
Fiala, who has led the government for four years, congratulated Babis and other parties on their electoral success. He highlighted that the SPOLU coalition handled numerous crises and achieved energy independence from Russia, accelerated road construction, and GDP growth surpassing Austria and Germany. He emphasized the ruling parties’ improved vote share compared to 2021 and urged that the results be democratically accepted.
Analysis: Czech Shift from EU Policies May Reshape Central Europe
Jakub Bielamowicz of the New Europe Institute noted that main Czech parties battle for power amid public discontent over high inflation, living costs, the Green Deal, and differing stances on the Ukraine war. He described ANO’s campaign as centered on a national economic message with distance from the current EU course yet avoiding SPD’s radicalism. The election could influence Central European power dynamics, EU relations, and challenges such as energy transition, regional security, and future integration.
