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Czech president asks populist leader Andrej Babis to form a new government

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. eader-andrej-babis-to-form-a-new-government.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 9:27 GMT by Associated Press

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The Coalition That Fell Apart

Babiš, the billionaire‑turned‑politician who founded the populist “ANO 2011” party, had presided over a coalition that included the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, the Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party (KDU‑ČSL), and the Civic Democratic Party (ODS). This alliance had survived two general elections, winning a slim majority in the 2021 parliamentary vote.

On a Thursday morning, the SPD made an unexpected announcement that it would withdraw its support from Babiš’s government. SPD leader Tom Jirásek cited concerns over the Prime Minister’s conduct and allegations of corruption. The party’s decision was the culmination of months of mounting pressure from opposition parties and civil‑society groups that accused Babiš of using his government position to benefit his former businesses, especially the Agrofert conglomerate.

The resignation of SPD MPs effectively left the government short of the 103 votes needed to survive a confidence motion in the 200‑member Chamber of Deputies. As a result, Babiš’s cabinet was forced to step down, and a caretaker government led by Minister of Interior Karel Kovář was installed while a new government was negotiated.

Why Babiš Was Vulnerable

Babiš has been the subject of numerous legal investigations and allegations of conflict of interest for more than a decade. The most high‑profile case involved the sale of his stake in Agrofert to a group of investors connected to a Russian bank, which raised suspicions that the transaction was a “cash‑for‑questions” scheme to influence parliamentary inquiries. In 2018, a Czech court ordered Babiš to pay 2 billion Czech crowns in damages, a verdict that the former prime minister repeatedly contested.

Despite his ongoing legal battles, Babiš managed to consolidate political power through his party’s populist messaging and its appeal to Czech voters who felt disillusioned by traditional parties. However, the coalition’s fragility was exposed when SPD’s withdrawal signaled that Babiš could no longer rely on his allies to keep the government afloat.

The Aftermath: Political Consequences

The immediate aftermath saw Babiš and his supporters scrambling to secure new allies. In interviews, Babiš vowed to “find a new coalition” that would restore stability to the Czech Republic. He called upon the European Union for support, stressing that the country’s strategic position and its role in the European migration policy required a steady government.

Opposition leaders, particularly from the ODS and the Social Democratic Party (ČSSD), seized the opportunity to pressure the Prime Minister. They called for an early election, arguing that the government’s collapse signified a loss of public trust. Meanwhile, the Czech president, Miloš Zeman, was expected to play a pivotal role in forming a new coalition, although his own political history and relationship with Babiš added a layer of uncertainty to the process.

Broader Context: EU and International Reactions

European leaders watched the crisis with caution. The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging the Czech Republic to maintain “stable and democratic governance” in line with EU principles. Meanwhile, the European Commission’s European External Action Service highlighted the need for a “transparent and fair electoral process” if new elections were called.

Internationally, the Czech Republic’s status as a NATO member and a key partner in the European Union’s energy policy underscored the stakes. A protracted political stalemate could jeopardize the country’s role in critical supply chain agreements and its ability to coordinate with allies on migration and security issues.

What the Article Highlights

The AP piece offers a detailed breakdown of the events that led to the collapse:

1. The SPD’s announcement – including direct quotes from Jirásek and the rationale behind the withdrawal.
2. The parliamentary mechanics – explaining how the vote of confidence works in the Czech system.
3. Babiš’s reaction – featuring his statements about seeking new coalition partners and his appeal to the EU.
4. Opposition responses – outlining the strategic calls for early elections by the ČSSD and ODS.
5. Legal background – summarizing the key corruption cases that have plagued Babiš for years.
6. International perspective – including statements from European officials on the implications for the EU and NATO.

The article also links to supplemental reports on the Agrofert scandal, the European Union’s position, and the legal proceedings against Babiš, providing readers with a broader context and a richer understanding of how the Czech political scene is evolving.

Looking Ahead

As the Czech Parliament moves into a period of uncertainty, the nation faces two primary options. Either a new coalition can be negotiated that secures a majority, or the country may head to the polls for early elections. The outcome will shape the trajectory of Czech politics for years to come, determine the country’s role within the European Union, and test the resilience of its democratic institutions in the face of a controversial leader and a coalition that has proven to be tenuous.

This comprehensive account from AP News not only reports on the immediate political crisis but also situates it within the larger narrative of Babiš’s political career, the legal challenges he faces, and the delicate balance of power that defines contemporary Czech governance.