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Czech election: What you need to know

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 7:15 GMT by The Straits Times
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Czech Republic Heads to the Polls: A Snapshot of the 2021 Parliamentary Election

The Straits Times, 9 October 2021

The Czech Republic is set to elect its 120‑member Chamber of Deputies on October 9, a vote that will determine the country’s direction for the next four years. The election follows a period of political turbulence, marked by a series of scandals, shifting alliances, and a growing sense of uncertainty among voters. The article “Czech election: what you need to know” on The Straits Times website provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the key players, the main issues on the ballot, and what the outcome could mean for the Czech Republic’s domestic policies and its role within the European Union.

1. A Brief Political Backdrop

The last parliamentary election in 2017 produced a coalition government led by ANO 2011, the populist party of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. ANO’s coalition partners, the centre‑right Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and the Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD), split in 2019 after a series of disagreements on fiscal policy and corruption. The coalition collapsed, and Babiš resigned in 2021, sparking a constitutional crisis that culminated in a snap election.

The Straits Times notes that the Czech electorate is now faced with an election that is “critical in determining the country’s future political trajectory.” It is also an election that could set the tone for how the Czech Republic will engage with broader European and global issues such as energy security, migration, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

2. The Main Contenders

The article includes hyperlinks to detailed party profiles, enabling readers to explore each party’s history, policy priorities, and leadership background. A quick scan of the links shows that ODS has been the most consistent critic of Babiš’s administration, while the SPD has been gaining traction among voters frustrated by immigration policies and the perceived erosion of Czech sovereignty.

3. The Core Issues on the Ballot

a) Economy and Employment
The Czech economy has been recovering from the COVID‑19 downturn, but many voters worry about wage stagnation, rising inflation, and the risk of a debt spiral. The article points out that ANO 2011’s economic platform hinges on “pro‑business reforms, tax cuts, and investment in infrastructure,” while ODS promises “stronger fiscal discipline and a balanced budget.” The SPD, by contrast, champions “growth driven by free markets and limited government interference.”

b) Corruption and Transparency
Andrej Babiš’s legal troubles, including an investigation into money laundering and a conflict‑of‑interest case, have left a lasting stain on the electorate. Voters are increasingly demanding accountability. ODS’s platform includes “enhanced judicial independence and stricter campaign‑finance laws.” The SPD’s stance is that “the current anti‑corruption mechanisms are ineffective and favour the political elite.”

c) Migration and Security
The influx of migrants in the wake of the 2015 crisis has continued to be a contentious topic. The SPD’s hard‑line stance on border controls resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, whereas ODS and ANO offer more moderate positions. The article’s linked “migration” page explains how the Czech Republic has historically been a transit country, with policies influenced by both domestic sentiment and EU directives.

d) EU Relations and Foreign Policy
The Czech Republic is a key member of the EU and NATO, yet the question of how far it should align with Brussels is still debated. ANO supports deeper integration, citing economic benefits, while ODS is more cautious, advocating for a “balanced EU relationship” that respects national sovereignty. The SPD is sharply eurosceptic, accusing the EU of undermining Czech autonomy. The article highlights that the outcome of the election could influence the Czech Republic’s stance on EU defense cooperation, especially in light of the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

e) Energy Security
Following the Russian gas disruptions of 2020, the Czech Republic has begun diversifying its energy mix. ODS’s platform emphasises “renewable energy expansion and diversification of supply routes.” ANO, meanwhile, focuses on “investment in nuclear and conventional energy projects.” The SPD’s position is comparatively vague, though it supports “increased energy independence through domestic sources.”

4. Potential Coalition Scenarios

The Czech parliamentary system typically requires coalition governments. The article outlines two main post‑election possibilities:

1. A “big three” coalition: ANO, ODS, and SPD form a majority, with Petr Fiala of ODS potentially becoming Prime Minister. Analysts believe this coalition could maintain stability but might face ideological clashes, particularly on immigration and EU policies.

2. A “centre‑left” coalition: ODS partners with ČSSD and perhaps the Green Party, positioning themselves as an alternative to Babiš‑led rule. This scenario would likely push a more progressive agenda, including stronger labor protections and a clearer anti‑corruption agenda.

The article’s embedded links to the individual parties’ platforms help readers gauge which coalition is most viable. According to the Straits Times, “the SPD’s refusal to cooperate with ANO on certain policy points may ultimately force a realignment that leaves ANO sidelined.”

5. Why It Matters Beyond Czech Borders

The election outcome is poised to influence several broader issues:

• EU Energy Policy – A government that prioritises renewables could accelerate the EU’s 2030 energy goals.
• Migration Management – A hard‑line migration stance would reinforce the “Schengen paradox” of open borders coupled with strict internal controls.
• Regional Security – The Czech Republic’s alignment on NATO’s eastern flank will affect the EU’s collective defence strategy amid Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
• Domestic Governance – A robust anti‑corruption platform could serve as a model for other post‑communist democracies facing similar challenges.

6. Conclusion

The Straits Times’ “Czech election: what you need to know” distils a complex political landscape into an accessible narrative, offering readers not only a rundown of the parties and their policies but also an informed forecast of the potential political configurations that may emerge. With the election held amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty, rising migration concerns, and the lingering shadow of corruption scandals, voters in Prague are making a pivotal decision that will reverberate throughout the Czech Republic and across Europe. The article’s clear structure, complemented by useful hyperlinks to in‑depth party profiles and policy analyses, equips international readers with a well‑rounded understanding of what is at stake in this critical democratic exercise.