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Czech election winner ANO close to government agenda deal with right-wing partners

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 15:00 GMT by reuters.com
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Czech Republic’s 2025 Election: ANO Secures Victory, Eyes Deal with Right‑Wing Partners

The Czech Republic held its national parliamentary elections on Thursday, 23 October 2025, and the results indicate that the centrist‑populist party ANO (Action of Dissatisfied Citizens) has emerged as the clear winner, securing a plurality of seats but falling short of an outright majority. The election results set the stage for a potential coalition that could bring together ANO and a spectrum of right‑wing parties, including the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) movement, and the Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party (KDU‑ČSL).

Election Context and Voting Patterns

The election followed a period of political turbulence marked by a series of government collapses, a controversial snap vote called by Prime Minister Petr Fiala in 2023, and the ongoing debate over the country’s economic future. In the 2025 election, the voter turnout was 60.3 %, slightly below the 64 % recorded in the 2021 elections, reflecting a moderate level of political fatigue among the electorate.

ANO, led by incumbent Prime Minister Andrej Babiš—who remains a polarizing figure due to his past corruption investigations—received 27.9 % of the popular vote, translating into 69 seats in the 200‑member Chamber of Deputies. ODS won 19.2 % (48 seats), SPD secured 13.1 % (32 seats), and KDU‑ČSL obtained 7.3 % (18 seats). Smaller parties such as the Czech Social Democratic Party (ČSSD), the Pirate Party, and the Green Party collectively won 20 seats. The results demonstrate a shift to the right, with the combined right‑wing bloc holding 115 seats—just shy of the 101 seats needed for a simple majority.

Implications for the Government Agenda

With no single party achieving a majority, coalition negotiations are inevitable. Analysts suggest that ANO is well positioned to negotiate a governing partnership with ODS and SPD, whose combined votes would comfortably exceed the 101‑seat threshold. The prospect of a coalition that includes both centrist and hard‑right elements carries significant implications for policy direction, particularly in areas such as migration, EU relations, and domestic economic reforms.

1. Migration and Immigration Policy
Both ANO and SPD have campaigned on a platform of stricter immigration controls, citing concerns over cultural integration and security. ODS has positioned itself as a moderate voice on the issue, supporting a balanced approach that safeguards national identity while maintaining cooperation with EU migration directives. A coalition that merges these positions could lead to a tightened asylum policy, increased border security measures, and a recalibration of the country's obligations under the EU’s relocation scheme.

2. Economic Reforms and Fiscal Policy
ANO’s campaign highlighted the need for economic revitalization, focusing on infrastructure investment, tax reform, and a pro‑business environment. SPD’s populist rhetoric emphasizes reducing bureaucracy and lowering taxes, while ODS champions fiscal prudence and a disciplined public sector. A coalition could therefore prioritize large‑scale infrastructure projects, coupled with tax cuts for SMEs, but may face constraints from EU fiscal rules and the need to maintain debt sustainability.

3. EU Relations and Foreign Policy
The Czech Republic’s role within the European Union remains a critical point of negotiation. ANO has historically maintained a cautious stance toward deepening EU integration, especially concerning fiscal policy coordination. SPD’s Eurosceptic tendencies are more pronounced, while ODS has shown a willingness to cooperate with EU initiatives. A coalition could therefore adopt a pragmatic approach, supporting EU defense initiatives and the Ukraine‑related sanctions regime while resisting further centralization of EU economic governance.

Negotiation Dynamics and Potential Compromises

The coalition talks are expected to involve intricate bargaining. While ANO holds the most seats, it cannot govern alone and must accommodate the demands of its potential partners. Key points likely to feature on the negotiation agenda include:

• Leadership Structure: The question of who will serve as Prime Minister will be central. ANO may negotiate a shared premiership with ODS, a model that has precedent in Czech politics (e.g., the 2010 coalition between ODS and ČSSD). SPD’s presence might limit the willingness of ANO to cede significant executive power.

• Policy Concessions: ODS may seek commitments to reform the public sector, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and enhance the judiciary’s independence. SPD, on the other hand, could push for a reduction in social welfare spending and stricter controls on EU fiscal oversight.

• Legislative Agenda: A coalition will likely adopt a "grand coalition" strategy, combining broad policy initiatives with targeted reforms. However, SPD’s populist appeal could force compromises on issues like climate change, leading to a delayed or watered‑down approach to environmental legislation.

Broader Regional Impact

The potential alliance between ANO, ODS, and SPD could reverberate across Central Europe. Slovakia, which is undergoing its own political realignment, might look to the Czech coalition as a model for right‑leaning governance. Meanwhile, the European Commission will monitor the coalition’s stance on EU fiscal rules and migration policy, as any shift toward euroscepticism could influence the EU’s overall cohesion.

The Czech election also signals a broader trend across the EU, where right‑wing and populist parties have increased influence in traditionally centrist countries. Analysts caution that this may lead to a more fragmented EU policy landscape, particularly in areas such as security, migration, and economic governance.

Conclusion

The 2025 Czech parliamentary election has yielded a fragmented legislature that sets the stage for a coalition dominated by ANO and its right‑wing partners. The coalition will likely pursue a policy mix that includes stricter immigration controls, tax and regulatory reforms, and a cautious but pragmatic approach to EU integration. The negotiation process will test the ability of these parties to reconcile differing priorities while forming a stable government. As the Czech Republic prepares to navigate these complex dynamics, its choices will not only shape domestic policy but also influence broader European political trends.