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Factbox-Czech elections: what you need to know

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 0:28 GMT by ThePrint
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Czech Elections 2025: A Quick Guide to the Big Questions

The Czech Republic is gearing up for its next parliamentary election, and voters, political analysts and international observers alike are eager to understand the stakes, the players, and the mechanics of the ballot. A recent “fact‑box” from The Print distills the most essential facts into bite‑sized bullet points and a few key paragraphs, making it a handy primer for anyone looking to grasp the context of this country’s democratic exercise.

1. When and How the Vote Will Take Place

• Election date – The next Czech parliamentary election is scheduled for 8 October 2025 (official confirmation pending). This date follows the constitutionally mandated four‑year cycle after the 2021 election, and the election will decide the composition of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Czech Parliament.

• Voting method – Czech voters will cast a single ballot for a party list rather than individual candidates. The country uses a proportional representation system in 14 multi‑district constituencies, which aims to allocate seats roughly in line with the share of the vote each party receives.

• Eligibility – Any citizen aged 18 or older, and who has lived in the Czech Republic for at least 15 days, is eligible to vote. The voter rolls are regularly updated to include new citizens and to remove those who have moved abroad or died.

2. The Electoral Threshold and Coalitions

• Thresholds – A party must secure at least 5 % of the national vote to enter parliament. If a party is part of a coalition, the threshold rises to 10 %. This rule is designed to prevent a proliferation of tiny parties that could complicate coalition-building.

• Coalition rules – In practice, most parties still form pre‑election alliances or “pact” agreements in order to surpass the threshold and secure a greater share of seats. For example, the centre‑right coalition of ČSSD (Czech Social Democratic Party) and KDU‑ČSL (Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party) has previously managed to win seats together, but the threshold still stands at 5 % for each party, even when running jointly.

3. The Main Players

• Petr Babiš – Although Babiš’s own ANO has won the most seats in 2021, he was removed from office following a conviction for tax fraud. The party has been re‑branded under the leadership of former Interior Minister Petr Fiala, a former member of the Civic Democratic Party, hoping to distance itself from Babiš’s tarnished reputation.

• Rise of new forces – The Pirates & Mayors coalition, the Green Party, and the independent “Mladá fronta” (Young Front) have pushed the centre‑left back into the conversation, each riding specific issues like environmental policy, digital rights, and anti‑corruption reforms.

4. Key Issues on the Ballot

1. Economy & Jobs – Many voters are concerned about wage growth, inflation, and the sustainability of the Czech social‑security net. Parties differ on how to balance EU obligations with domestic fiscal priorities.

2. Corruption & Rule of Law – The legacy of Babiš’s alleged corruption scandals has sparked a public debate over integrity in politics. The anti‑corruption platform has become a selling point for several smaller parties.

3. Migration & EU Relations – SPD’s hard‑line stance on immigration continues to resonate with a segment of voters, while others push for a more collaborative approach within the European Union framework.

4. Climate & Energy – The country’s energy policy—particularly its reliance on coal and the strategic shift to renewable sources—is increasingly influencing younger voters and environmental parties.

5. What the Polls Say

Pre‑election polls (from Eurobarometer and local polling firms) indicate a fragmented electorate, with ANO, ODS, SPD, and ČSSD all hovering around the 10–15 % range. This fragmentation underscores the importance of post‑election coalition negotiations. Analysts point out that even if one party tops the polls, they will still need to partner with at least one or two other parties to form a stable majority of 121 out of 200 seats.

6. The Role of the President

President Petr Pavel (a former army general and NATO commander) has a largely ceremonial role in the electoral process but holds the authority to appoint the prime minister once the Chamber of Deputies is convened. The president can also call for a national referendum if necessary. His impartial stance during the campaign has been praised, though critics argue that the presidency could be more active in promoting democratic norms.

7. Final Thoughts

The 2025 Czech parliamentary election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in a country still working to balance its post‑Communist legacy, EU integration, and domestic policy priorities. The fact‑box from The Print condenses a complex political landscape into digestible facts: a four‑year election cycle, a proportional voting system with 5 % thresholds, a host of major parties ranging from centrist‑populist ANO to conservative‑liberal ODS, and a field of key issues from corruption to climate change.

For international observers, the Czech election offers a microcosm of the broader European challenge: how to manage rising populism while maintaining democratic institutions and addressing socioeconomic pressures. As October 2025 approaches, the electorate’s decision on the ballot will not only shape Czech policy for the next four years but also send a message about the resilience of its democratic system.