Czech billionaire Babiš clinches coalition deal with the far right

Czech billionaire Babiš clinches coalition deal with the far right

Czech billionaire and agricultural tycoon Andrej Babiš has signed a coalition agreement in Prague with the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the right-wing Motorists for Themselves (Motoristé sobě) parties. This deal marks a key step toward his appointment as the country's next prime minister.

The new coalition will command 108 of the 200 seats in the lower house of parliament. ANO will hold 80 seats, SPD 15, and the Motorists 13, giving the alliance a comfortable majority.

Babiš, known for his populist ANO movement, has faced criticism in Brussels and from domestic rivals, who worry about his potential European-level alliances and possible business conflicts of interest given his vast agribusiness portfolio.

Czech President Petr Pavel tapped Babiš to form the government last week — a step toward being officially nominated as prime minister-designate.

The coalition’s policy agenda is expected to challenge several of the EU’s major initiatives, particularly those focused on migration and environmental reform. The government is likely to pull back support from programs such as the ETS2 emissions trading system and oppose Brussels’ plan to phase out combustion engines.

Author’s Summary

Andrej Babiš sealed a governing alliance with far-right and right-wing partners, signaling Euroskeptic shifts in Prague’s upcoming government.

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POLITICO.eu POLITICO.eu — 2025-11-04

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