Billionaire Andrej Babis Seeks Power in Czech Elections Amidst Rising Extremism

Fri Oct 17 2025 08:02:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Czech billionaire Andrej Babis looks to reclaim government leadership in upcoming elections but may need to align with extreme political factions that could threaten longstanding relationships with the EU and NATO.

With Czechs heading to the polls, Andrej Babis is poised to lead the next government but may face challenges due to a fragmented political landscape. He is unlikely to secure an outright majority and might require support from fringe parties with pro-Russian agendas, raising concerns about the future of Czech foreign policy and commitments to NATO and the EU.

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, potentially replacing the current pro-Western coalition.

However, Babis may need to forge alliances with extreme factions within Czech politics, which could lead to significant policy shifts. We'll never drag the Czech Republic to the East. I can absolutely rule that out, he asserted during a rally in Kladno, addressing concerns about Russian influence.

Babis's party, ANO, is polling well but is unlikely to win a majority, prompting speculation about potential collaborations with far-right parties. His statements affirming support for NATO and the EU seem at odds with the agendas of some prospective partners who advocate for referendums on EU and NATO membership.

A generational divide is also highlighted, with younger voters like 19-year-old student Ondrej Kapralek expressing fears about the country leaning towards far-right politics, similar to trends seen in Slovakia and Hungary. This growing concern underscores the implications for Czech governance as Babis's ANO party navigates potential alignments with smaller, more radical groups.

As public sentiment shifts, Babis attempts to reassure supporters while the future of the Czech Republic's international commitments hangs in balance. With Russian influence looming large, how the Babis-led administration maneuvers its foreign policy could alter the dynamics of regional security and partnership within Europe.