Czech support for Ukraine at stake as populist Babiš poised to return in an election

Andrej Babis is another member of ‘Patriots for Europe’ group to attain power.

Published October 5, 2025

Andrej Babiš, leader of the populist ANO party, has secured a significant victory in the Czech Republic’s parliamentary elections. With nearly 35% of the vote, his party is poised to form a coalition government with two smaller right-wing populist parties, potentially aligning with a broader European nationalist movement.

Babiš’s platform emphasizes reducing support for Ukraine and prioritizing Czech national interests. His win is viewed as a setback for EU globalist policies, particularly those related to climate initiatives and immigration.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was among the first to congratulate Babiš, highlighting the growing influence of nationalist leaders across Europe. The coalition of nationalist and populist leaders, which includes figures like Orbán, Marine Le Pen, and Matteo Salvini, advocates a shift away from EU-centric policies toward national sovereignty and traditional values. Babiš’s success reinforces this movement’s momentum.

Public / Political Reactions

🇨🇿 Public Reactions

The Czech electorate demonstrated a notable shift in political alignment, with Babiš’s ANO securing 34.5% of the vote, surpassing the ruling center-right coalition led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, which garnered 23.4% . This outcome signifies a return to prominence for Babiš, who previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021.

Public opinion is polarized. Supporters of ANO praise Babiš’s promises to enhance welfare, reduce taxes, and prioritize domestic issues over foreign entanglements, such as military aid to Ukraine. Conversely, critics express concerns about a potential pivot towards pro-Russian policies and a departure from the Czech Republic’s pro-EU and pro-NATO stance.

🏛️ Political Reactions

Politically, Babiš faces the challenge of forming a coalition government. His ANO party, while leading, does not command an outright majority in the 200-seat lower house of parliament, securing only 80 seats. To achieve a majority, Babiš is negotiating with two right-wing parties: the anti-EU and anti-NATO SPD, and the Motorists party. Both parties have expressed interest in cooperation but demand ministerial positions, complicating coalition talks.

President Petr Pavel, who holds the authority to approve cabinet appointments, has indicated a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Czech Republic’s commitments to the EU and NATO.

🌍 International Perspective

Internationally, Babiš’s victory is being closely monitored. Analysts suggest that his policies could lead to a reevaluation of the Czech Republic’s foreign alliances, particularly concerning support for Ukraine and adherence to EU climate and immigration policies.

 Resulting Effects

Babiš’s victory signals a major political shift in the Czech Republic, with immediate and long-term effects likely to unfold both domestically and internationally.

1. Strengthening National Sovereignty:
Babiš’s administration is expected to prioritize Czech national interests over EU mandates. Policies may focus on protecting local industries, reducing dependence on foreign aid, and asserting more control over immigration and economic regulations. This marks a significant step toward reclaiming political and economic autonomy from EU bureaucracy.

2. Reduced Support for Ukraine:
With a platform critical of foreign entanglements, Babiš is likely to scale back Czech financial and military aid to Ukraine. This move could relieve domestic taxpayers while signaling to Brussels and Washington that the Czech Republic is asserting its own foreign policy priorities.

3. Momentum for Europe-Wide Populist Movements:
Babiš’s success adds credibility to nationalist and populist parties across Europe. Leaders like Orbán, Le Pen, and Salvini may leverage this win as proof that voters are increasingly rejecting globalist agendas in favor of sovereignty, security, and traditional values.

4. Economic Implications:
Domestic policies under Babiš are expected to favor lower taxes, reduced bureaucratic interference, and support for small businesses. This could spur domestic growth and make the Czech Republic more competitive, while potentially clashing with EU economic directives.

5. Political Polarization:
While supporters celebrate a return to national-first policies, opponents warn of potential friction with the EU and NATO. Nevertheless, the result demonstrates that a significant portion of the electorate favors practical, home-focused governance over globalist priorities.

In essence, Babiš’s victory is not just a Czech political event—it represents a broader challenge to EU-centered governance and a reaffirmation of national sovereignty and self-determination in Europe.

 Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Babiš’s administration is likely to cement the Czech Republic’s position as a leading example of nationalist and populist governance in Europe. His policies could reshape both domestic and international dynamics for years to come.

1. Stronger Domestic Governance:
Expect an emphasis on law and order, fiscal responsibility, and policies that directly benefit Czech citizens. Bureaucratic red tape may be reduced, while incentives for local businesses and industries could increase, strengthening the domestic economy.

2. Recalibrated Foreign Policy:
The Czech Republic may adopt a more independent foreign policy stance, limiting entanglement in conflicts that do not serve national interests. Aid to Ukraine and participation in EU-led military initiatives could be scaled back, signaling a more pragmatic approach to international obligations.

3. Reinforced Europe-Wide Populist Momentum:
Babiš’s success could inspire similar movements across the continent. Populist and nationalist parties in Italy, France, Hungary, and other EU states may gain confidence, amplifying the pushback against EU bureaucracy and globalist policies.

4. EU Relations and Sovereignty Debates:
While tensions with Brussels may arise, the Czech Republic under Babiš is likely to assert its sovereignty decisively. This could trigger broader debates within the EU about national autonomy, fiscal responsibility, and the balance between EU-wide mandates and member-state interests.

5. Political Realignment at Home:
Expect continued polarization, but also the potential for long-term stability if Babiš successfully forms a coalition government aligned with nationalist priorities. Citizens supportive of pragmatic, nationalist governance may see renewed faith in the political process.

 Bottom Line:

Andrej Babiš’s victory is more than a domestic electoral win—it is a reaffirmation of national sovereignty, common-sense governance, and the growing influence of populist movements across Europe. By prioritizing Czech interests, scaling back foreign entanglements, and championing economic pragmatism, Babiš is positioning the Czech Republic as a model for nations seeking to reclaim control from globalist agendas.

While critics warn of friction with the EU and NATO, supporters see this as a long-overdue course correction—one that empowers citizens, strengthens local industries, and reasserts traditional values. The rise of Babiš and his allies signals that Europe’s political future may increasingly favor home-focused, nationalist leadership over bureaucratic, globalist oversight.

In essence, the Babiš era represents a turning point for the Czech Republic and a potential blueprint for other nations seeking to restore sovereignty, accountability, and prosperity to their citizens.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Globalists Panic as Populist Babis Wins Election in Czech Republic Vowing To End Ukraine Support and Put Czechs First – Another Victory for Orbán’s ‘Patriots for Europe’ Group

ABC NEWS – Czech support for Ukraine at stake as populist Babiš poised to return in an election

EU POLITICO – Babiš triumphs in Czechia, sending ripples through the EU