Billionaire Andrej Babis Emerges as a Contender for Power in Czech Republic Elections

Sat Oct 11 2025 04:28:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

With the Czech Republic facing a critical election, billionaire populist Andrej Babis aims to lead the next government, navigating the complexities of extreme political alliances amidst fears of Russian influence.

As the Czech Republic prepares for elections, populist billionaire Andrej Babis is poised to take charge, potentially forming coalitions with radical parties. Despite his assurances of not shifting towards pro-Russian policies, concerns about the influence of far-right elements and their impact on the EU and NATO commitments loom large. Young voters express unease about the direction of their country following the elections.

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, replacing the strongly pro-Western, pro-Ukraine coalition.

But he'll likely need allies on the extremes of Czech politics – and their price will not be cheap.

We'll never drag the Czech Republic to the East. I can absolutely rule that out, Babis told a crowd of mostly elderly supporters, gathered around a stage in the former steel town of Kladno, just outside Prague.

We weren't the ones who sat down with Putin - we were the ones who expelled Russian diplomats! he continued, referencing actions taken in his first term after a Russian intelligence service was implicated in a deadly explosion in the Czech Republic.

A row of grey heads nodded as the former prime minister assured his audience, And never - I repeat, never - will we consider leaving the European Union.

Andrej Babis, inspired by the US MAGA movement, is campaigning with red caps saying 'Strong Czechia'. However, analysts warn that his ANO party may not secure an outright majority in the elections, which could force him into alliances with fringe parties, some of which advocate for referendums on leaving the EU and NATO.

Amidst these tensions, younger voters express concerns that the Czech Republic might follow Hungary and Slovakia in shifting towards authoritarianism and pro-Russian stances.

Meanwhile, many in the country are watching closely, realizing that the results of this crucial election might reshape their political landscape significantly.