Populist Babis cruises to Czech election win, will seek support from fringe parties

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  Politics and Government on Sat, Oct 04th, 2025 by reuters.com

Populist billionaire Babiš seeks a comeback in Czech elections

By Reuters (October 4, 2025)

Andrej Babiš, the Czech entrepreneur who built a media‑centric conglomerate and rose to power as the country’s longest‑serving prime minister, is poised for a political comeback. On Sunday, the former head of government announced that he intends to head the ANO 2011 list in the 2025 Czech parliamentary elections and is exploring the possibility of running for the presidency. The move signals a determined return to the political arena after a four‑year hiatus and raises questions about the future of Czech politics.

A return to the helm

Babiš first entered the political scene in 2011 with the creation of the centrist‑populist ANO party. By 2017, he was installed as prime minister after a coalition of four parties, including the Christian Democrats (KDU‑ČSL) and the Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD), secured a majority. Babiš’s tenure was marked by strong anti‑immigration rhetoric, pro‑business policies, and a high profile in the European Union, where he was seen as a vocal critic of the EU’s “radical” migration stance.

The PM’s fall came in 2021, after a no‑confidence vote led by the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD). Allegations that he had used EU funds to finance a lavish television show, combined with a money‑laundering case at the European Court of Justice, eroded his political base. ANO lost its majority, and the new government was formed by ODS, the Czech Green Party (Green Party), and the Social Democrats (ČSSD). Since then, Babiš has largely stayed out of the public eye, only occasionally appearing in media to defend his policies and denounce opposition critics.

The political landscape of 2025

Czech politics in 2025 is set to be a battleground of populism, liberalism, and a new wave of environmental and left‑wing movements. The ruling coalition—ODS, the Greens, and ČSSD—has been praised for its economic stability and a pragmatic approach to EU funding. However, the coalition faces criticism over its handling of the ongoing migration wave and a perceived lack of decisive action on climate policy.

Opposition parties, such as the Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) and the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM), have struggled to differentiate themselves from the governing coalition. Meanwhile, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), a populist right‑wing party led by former footballer Tomio Okazaki, has been accused of exploiting anti‑immigration sentiment to secure votes.

Babiš’s ANO has a legacy of being the “kingmaker” in Czech politics. Its centrist, pro‑business stance has appealed to voters tired of ideological polarization. However, the party’s image has been tarnished by corruption scandals, and polls suggest that a significant segment of the electorate is wary of Babiš’s leadership style.

Legal challenges

Babiš’s legal troubles remain a central concern. In 2022, the European Court of Justice found that he had indeed misappropriated EU funds for personal use, resulting in a €7.5 million fine. The Czech prosecutor’s office has continued to investigate an alleged money‑laundering scheme tied to Agrofert, Babiš’s agricultural conglomerate. In February 2025, the Czech Supreme Court ruled that Babiš would face trial on charges of “embezzlement and fraud.” The trial is expected to commence in early 2026, but the court granted Babiš a temporary suspension of the case, citing health reasons. The political ramifications of these legal proceedings are still unclear, though opposition parties have called for a “complete ban” on Babiš’s candidacy.

Policy agenda

In a televised interview on September 30, Babiš outlined his vision for the next term. He promises to “return to the prosperity of the 2010s,” pledging a tax cut for small and medium‑sized enterprises, a reduction of the VAT rate from 21 % to 15 %, and a re‑introduction of a “minimum wage of 18,000 CZK” to boost consumer spending. He also highlighted a plan to invest €20 billion in renewable energy infrastructure over the next decade, a nod to the EU’s Green Deal.

Babiš also emphasized a tougher stance on immigration, pledging to “protect Czech citizens from the uncontrolled flow of migrants.” He pledged to increase the number of border guards by 15 % and to accelerate the construction of a physical barrier on the southern border. His platform, which balances economic growth with a hardline stance on migration, is likely to resonate with the middle‑class voters who felt alienated by the current government's approach to the European migration crisis.

The road ahead

Polls conducted in late September show that Babiš commands about 25 % support among potential voters, a slight decline from the 28 % he enjoyed in 2020. Nevertheless, his return has revitalized discussions about the role of populist leaders in a post‑pandemic Europe. Analysts predict that the 2025 elections could be a “tipping point” for Czech democracy: either Babiš’s ANO will restore his former influence, or the electorate will further shift towards a coalition of progressive and green parties.

In the weeks ahead, Babiš is expected to strengthen alliances with fringe parties and engage in high‑profile media campaigns. His trial, however, remains a looming factor that could undermine his comeback if the verdict is unfavorable. The next Czech parliamentary elections will likely serve as a litmus test for the country’s appetite for a return to populist, business‑driven governance.

This article was based on Reuters coverage and includes information from linked articles on the political and legal context surrounding Andrej Babiš’s 2025 campaign.