Opposition Candidate Wins Landslide Victory in Czech Republic

Oct. 6—Former Czech Prime Minister, wealthy agro-businessman Andrej Babiš has won the election to become the Czech Republic’s new Prime Minister. In elections Oct. 4, Babiš received 35%, soundly defeating the pro-EU/NATO incumbent Petr Fiala, who received 23%. Voter turnout was 68%, the highest since 1998. Further, Babiš’ ANO party will likely be able to form a government with other, smaller conservative parties, one of which would include the Motorists party.

Babiš co-founded the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament in the summer of 2024, along with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Austria’s Herbert Kickl (leader of Austria’s Freedom Party, FPÖ), bringing into Europe another thorn in the side of Brussels. Babiš has vowed to scrap the Czech ammunition fund for Ukraine and opposes EU membership for Ukraine. He also is opposed to the Green Deal. The anti-green Motorists party is also a member of the Patriots for Europe.

When a reporter asked Babiš, following his victory, about his stance on Ukraine joining the EU, Babiš replied that Ukraine is “not prepared for the EU. We have to end the war first.”

Orbán was the first leader to acknowledge the victory of Babiš, writing on his X account: “Truth has prevailed! Andrej Babis has won the Czech parliamentary elections with a convincing lead. A big step for the Czech Republic, good news for Europe. Congratulations, Andrej!” 

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Special Envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote in an Oct. 4 post on X: “Congrats to Andrej Babiš, the Czech people & Patriots for Europe! [followed by a Czech flag—ed.] Europe is waking up—enough of uncontrolled immigration, war fever, censorship and economic decline. The Right choice is winning across Europe.”