Andrej Babis Celebrates Victory in Czech Parliamentary Elections

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – Billionaire Andrej Babis‘s ANO party won the Czech Republic’s parliamentary election on Saturday, October 4, 2025, signaling potential changes in the nation’s government. With nearly all results in, ANO secured 34.7% of the vote, while the Spolu coalition followed with 23.2%, according to the Czech Statistical Office.

Babis expressed enthusiasm as he addressed supporters, stating that ANO aims to form a one-party cabinet. However, he will need the backing of two smaller parties, including the far-right SPD, since ANO lacks an outright majority.

Rejecting concerns about his party’s impact on the country’s relationship with the European Union (EU) and NATO, Babis emphasized, “We want to save Europe … and we are clearly pro-European and pro-NATO.” These comments came after Prime Minister Petr Fiala conceded defeat and congratulated Babis on his victory.

During the campaign, ANO promised faster economic growth, higher wages, and lower taxes, pledges that resonated with many voters who faced rising inflation and declining real incomes. However, Babis must navigate potential obstacles, including conflict-of-interest laws related to his ownership of a chemicals and food empire and unresolved fraud charges connected to a 15-year-old EU subsidy case, which he denies.

As projections indicate that ANO might secure around 80 seats in the 200-seat lower house, discussions are set to commence on Sunday with President Petr Pavel, who is responsible for appointing the next prime minister. Notably, both the Motorists and SPD leaders expressed willingness to discuss potential collaboration with ANO.

Radim Fiala, Deputy Chairman of the SPD, stated, “We went into the election with the aim of ending the government of Petr Fiala and support even for a minority cabinet of ANO is important for us.” Meanwhile, fringe pro-Russian parties saw disappointing results, with SPD achieving only 7.8% of the vote and the far-left Stacilo! failing to reach the 5% threshold to enter parliament.

Historically, Babis has shifted from his previous euro-enthusiasm to a eurosceptic stance. A known ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, he continues to advocate for far-right policies while maintaining a controversial presence within the European Parliament.