Populist Billionaire Poised to Regain Power in Czech Republic
Andrej Babis, the billionaire populist often dubbed the “Czech Trump,” is on the verge of returning as prime minister after his party ANO surged ahead in the opening rounds of the Czech parliamentary elections that began Friday, October 3, 2025.
Key Election Facts
- Party: ANO (meaning “Yes” in Czech), led by Andrej Babis
- Current Poll Lead: ~32% of the vote, ahead of rivals by 8+ points
- Election Dates: October 3–4, 2025 (two-day voting)
- Turnout (Projected): Highest since 2017 amid economic discontent
- Babis’s Status: Former PM (2017–2021), still faces EU fraud allegations
Infographic: Czech Political Landscape 2025
| Party | Leader | Position | 2021 Result | 2025 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANO | Andrej Babis | Populist/Centrist | 27.1% | 31–34% |
| SPOLU Coalition | Petr Fiala | Center-right | 27.8% | 23–26% |
| Pirates + Mayors | Ivan Bartoš | Progressive/Liberal | 15.6% | 12–14% |
| Freedom and Direct Democracy | Tomio Okamura | Far-right | 10.3% | 9–11% |
Why Babis Is Back
Voters frustrated by inflation, housing shortages, and perceived elitism in Prague have rallied behind Babis’s anti-establishment message. Despite being convicted in 2023 by a Czech court for EU subsidy fraud—a ruling he is appealing—Babis maintains strong support in rural and working-class regions.
“He speaks plainly and delivers results,” said Martina Kovářová, a factory worker from Ostrava. “Other politicians just talk.”
Visual: Andrej Babis Campaign Rally
Controversies and Challenges Ahead
Babis’s potential return has alarmed EU officials and democratic watchdogs. As a media tycoon who once owned two of the country’s largest newspapers, critics accuse him of undermining press freedom and blurring lines between business and state.
Moreover, forming a government may prove difficult. Even with a strong lead, ANO is unlikely to secure a majority alone and may need to negotiate with parties that have refused to ally with Babis in the past.
What a Babis Government Would Mean
- EU Relations: Strained over rule-of-law concerns
- Economic Policy: Pro-welfare, anti-immigration, skeptical of green transition
- Foreign Policy: Pragmatic toward Russia and China despite EU alignment
- Domestic Focus: Energy subsidies, pension hikes, anti-corruption rhetoric
Observers note that Babis’s comeback reflects a broader trend of populist resilience in Central Europe—echoing victories by figures like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán [INTERNAL_LINK:Viktor_Orbán].
