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Babiš’s Populist Campaign Threatens Czech Republic’s Pro-Ukraine Stance, Polls Show
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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Ahead of the Czechia’s elections on October 3-4, former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is gaining momentum with a populist campaign that threatens to disrupt the country’s pro-Ukraine stance, Le Monde reported on October 3.
Babiš, a billionaire and ex-communist police agent, leader of the ANO party, has promised to reconsider military aid to Ukraine, criticizing the current government’s support.
He appeals to an older, economically vulnerable electorate, many of whom are nostalgic for the communist era and dissatisfied with rising living costs.
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Babiš, once a self-proclaimed anti-corruption figure, has shifted further right, targeting migrants and the EU’s Green Deal. He is also closely aligned with Hungary’s Viktor Orban, though he denies being pro-Russian, Le Monde writes.
In contrast, current Prime Minister Petr Fiala, with a pro-EU and pro-Ukraine stance, struggles to rally support, especially among the older population that feels left behind by his government’s policies.
Although his coalition of four center-right parties is currently unpopular in the polls, Le Monde reports that there remains a possibility of staying in power if the electorate in major cities mobilizes.
Despite facing legal challenges over alleged fraud, Babiš has emerged as the front-runner in the polls, with the potential to shift Czech politics closer to Hungary’s illiberal model, though experts believe his ties to the EU are too strong to risk a full break, according to Le Monde.
The election’s outcome will depend heavily on post-election negotiations, which could see significant shifts in the country’s domestic and foreign policies.
Previously, it was reported that a Czech research group has uncovered nearly 300 anonymous TikTok accounts amplifying pro-Russian narratives and backing radical parties just days before the country heads to the polls, Reuters reported.
