Legislative Elections in the Czech Republic: Andrej Babiš’s Comeback and Coalition Challenges

Politics
2025-10-16 12:36:10
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From October 3–4, 2025, the Czech Republic held early legislative elections, marking a significant political comeback for former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his party, ANO (Action of Dissatisfied Citizens). However, despite the victory, forming a majority government remains a complex political challenge.

Election Results

The ANO party secured 34.5% of the vote, translating to 80 seats in the 200-seat Chamber of Deputies. This represents a notable increase compared to the 2021 elections, when ANO won 27.1% of the vote and 72 seats. Despite leading the polls, ANO did not achieve an absolute majority, requiring support from other parties to form a functioning government.

Other major parties winning parliamentary seats include:

SPOLU (ODS, TOP 09, KDU-ČSL alliance): 23.4% of votes, 52 seats

STAN (Mayors and Independents): 11.2%, 22 seats

Pirates: 8.97%, 18 seats

SPD (Freedom and Direct Democracy): 7.78%, 15 seats

Motorists for Themselves: 6.77%, 13 seats

Other parties, such as STÁCILO!, Přísaha, and Voluntia, failed to surpass the 5% electoral threshold and did not gain parliamentary representation.

Challenges in Forming a Coalition

Following the elections, Babiš announced that ANO would not form a coalition with the current government parties, including SPOLU, STAN, and the Pirates, as these parties have explicitly ruled out cooperation with ANO. Consequently, Babiš initiated negotiations with two far-right parties: SPD and Motorists for Themselves. Together, these three parties would control 108 seats, exceeding the absolute majority of 101 seats.

Negotiations are complicated by the demands of both parties. SPD seeks control of key ministries such as defense, education, and internal affairs, while Motorists for Themselves wants the foreign, culture, and environment ministries. These demands raise questions about the coherence and stability of a potential coalition government.

Czech President Petr Pavel stated that while there is interest in forming a coalition among ANO, SPD, and Motorists for Themselves, he will carefully review ministerial appointments, given the controversial positions of some candidates.

Political and Foreign Policy Implications

Babiš’s victory signals a major shift in Czech politics. ANO has gained considerable support from voters dissatisfied with the previous government and pro-EU policies. Babiš has promised to reassess Czech foreign policy, including relations with Ukraine and the European Union.

He criticized the military aid program to Ukraine as too expensive and lacking transparency, suggesting NATO oversight instead. Domestically, Babiš pledged to cut taxes, increase social spending, and adopt a more critical stance on EU migration and decarbonization policies.

Conclusion

The Czech legislative elections of October 2025 brought a significant political shift. While ANO secured the most seats, forming a stable government remains uncertain due to differences among potential coalition partners. The outcome of ongoing negotiations will shape the Czech Republic’s political direction in the coming years and its position in the European and international arena.