ANO Wins Czech Election, Babis Set to Return as PM Despite EU Concerns
Andrej Babis' ANO party has won the Czech parliamentary election, securing 34.6% of the votes. Despite concerns, Western European governments are advised to build working relationships with Babis. The president holds significant influence in forming the next government, which is expected to be less stable.
Babis' victory gives ANO 80 seats in the 200-member Chamber of Deputies. However, forming a government may be challenging due to ANO's desire for an exclusive minority government. The president's role becomes crucial, as he has indicated he will not appoint anyone against NATO or EU membership. Potential coalition partners for ANO include the extreme right, parts of the previous government, or a minority government with parliamentary support.
Babis' voters were primarily driven by socio-economic issues such as stagnating real wages, high inflation, and a housing crisis. Many public sector workers, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and doctors, believe they were better off economically under Babis' previous term from 2017 to 2021. They see him as economically competent due to his billionaire entrepreneur background. The main motives of Babis and his voters were not EU skepticism, contrary to some perceptions.
Babis' victory and the potential for a less stable government may increase the president's influence on security and foreign policy. Despite this, Western European governments are encouraged to build working relationships with Babis, focusing on socio-economic concerns rather than EU skepticism.
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