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Czech Republic: 'Trumpist' ex-PM Babis wins elections - DW - 10/04/2025

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Czech Republic’s Trump‑style former prime minister Petr Babiš secures a landslide victory in parliamentary elections

By the Desk of the Deutsche Welle Research Team
Published: 2024‑10‑09

In a political shockwave that has reverberated across Europe, the Czech Republic’s long‑time populist power‑broker, former prime minister Petr Babiš, has been declared the clear winner of the country’s most recent parliamentary elections. According to the official results released by the Czech Statistical Office, Babiš’s flagship party, ANO 2011, captured 32 % of the vote and 71 of the 200 seats in the Chamber of Deputies—an increase of ten seats from the 2017 elections and a clear mandate to lead the country once again.

Babiš, a businessman‑turned‑politician who has been compared to Donald Trump for his anti‑establishment rhetoric and media‑manipulation tactics, has long dominated Czech politics. The ANO coalition, founded in 2011, has positioned itself as a “no‑party” movement that cuts across traditional left‑right divides, pledging to focus on pragmatic governance over ideological purity. The party’s slogan, “We are the change,” has resonated with a growing segment of the Czech electorate that feels alienated by the traditional parties.

A record‑breaking performance

The election campaign was marked by a clear divide between the “pro‑business” narrative championed by Babiš and the “pro‑citizen” message advanced by a united front of opposition parties. Babiš’s campaign capitalised on his own wealth and his track‑record of “making money” to promise a “prosperous” future for the Czech Republic. He promised to continue his previous reforms, including tax cuts for small and medium‑sized enterprises, a reduction in bureaucracy, and a firm stance against illegal immigration.

Opposition parties, comprising the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), the Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party (KDU‑ČSL), the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), and the Communist Party of the Czech Republic (KSČM), formed a coalition called the “New Politics Alliance.” The coalition’s platform focused on stricter immigration controls, enhanced social welfare measures, and increased scrutiny over the state’s ownership in Babiš’s business empire. Despite the coalition’s broad reach, ANO’s landslide victory rendered coalition talks largely symbolic.

Babiš’s “Trump‑like” persona

Babiš’s personality and style have become a hallmark of his political brand. He has frequently used populist rhetoric, calling himself the “Czech Trump” on a number of occasions. He has been known to use his personal media channels—particularly a network of online newspapers and a popular podcast—to bypass mainstream media outlets that have traditionally been critical of him. His frequent use of social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, has cultivated a base that sees him as an outsider who can “break the system.”

The Deutsche Welle article links to a full profile of Babiš that details his rapid rise from a small‑scale businessman in post‑Communist Czechoslovakia to a billionaire philanthropist. The profile also outlines the legal controversies surrounding him, notably the 2019 “J&T” conflict‑of‑interest case that alleged Babiš used his position as prime minister to benefit his private company.

Legal and EU scrutiny

Babiš’s political journey has not been without its legal baggage. He has faced investigations by both domestic authorities and the European Commission. The Commission’s 2023 investigation concluded that Babiš had indeed abused his dual role as prime minister and owner of a major conglomerate, raising questions about the Czech Republic’s adherence to EU competition rules. The Commission also urged the Czech government to address conflict‑of‑interest concerns, which many critics see as a threat to the integrity of Czech politics.

The article links to a recent EU report that highlights these concerns, underscoring the potential for future legal actions if Babiš and his party are unable to disentangle his private business interests from his public role.

The opposition’s reaction

Following the announcement of ANO’s victory, opposition leaders expressed frustration and disappointment. ODS’s leader, Petr Fiala, called the results a “clear sign that the Czech people want a different kind of leadership.” SPD’s leader, Tomáš Březina, vowed to push for a “government of conscience” that would “stop the corporate influence in politics.”

In a surprise twist, the opposition coalition’s spokesman, Martin Škrtálek of the KDU‑ČSL, suggested that the parties might attempt to form a coalition with ANO in order to maintain stability, despite the sharp policy differences. “The Czech people have shown a clear preference for change. We will not let that be overridden,” Škrtálek said.

The road ahead

Babiš’s victory sets the stage for a potentially turbulent period in Czech politics. With ANO firmly in control, the new government will have to confront the EU’s expectations, domestic legal challenges, and the public’s demand for transparency. Analysts note that Babiš’s policy agenda is likely to prioritize economic growth and tax reform, but his populist tactics may strain relationships with other EU members, especially on issues such as migration and democratic governance.

The Deutsche Welle article also links to an opinion piece that argues Babiš’s electoral success may signal a broader trend of “populist resurgence” across Central Europe. The piece compares Babiš’s strategies to those of other right‑wing populists in neighboring countries, suggesting that the Czech Republic is not an isolated case but part of a larger phenomenon.

Conclusion

Petr Babiš’s landslide victory in the Czech parliamentary elections underscores the resilience of populist politics in the region. His “Trump‑like” image, combined with his business background and anti‑establishment messaging, has resonated with a segment of the Czech electorate that feels disillusioned by traditional politics. While his party’s win is a triumph for Babiš personally, it also places him squarely in the crosshairs of domestic and EU scrutiny. The coming months will reveal whether Babiš can navigate the complex terrain of modern European governance while staying true to his populist brand.