Ukraine-aid critic to lead new Czech government

Andrej Babis’ ANO party has signed a coalition agreement with two smaller parties in the Czech Republic, enabling the right-wing politician, who has been critical of aid to Kiev, to form a new government.

ANO won around 35% of the vote in last month’s parliamentary election, becoming the largest party but falling short of a majority.

It opened talks with far-right anti-EU Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Euroskeptic Motorists party, which took around 8% and 7% respectively. The three formally signed a coalition deal on Monday.

According to Czech media, the coalition will control 108 of the 200 seats in the Czech Chamber of Deputies. The deal also divides cabinet posts, confirming that the next prime minister will come from ANO – allowing Babis to return to the role he held from 2017 to 2021 – while the SPD will nominate the next speaker of parliament.

ANO will reportedly oversee nine ministries, including finance, industry, health, labor, education, interior, regional development, and justice. The SPD will run defense, agriculture, and transport, and the Motorists will oversee foreign affairs, culture, environment, and health.

Babis, 71, has long criticized the EU’s handling of migration and environmental policy and opposed its military and financial support for Ukraine. During his parliamentary campaign, he vowed to reduce aid to Kiev, end austerity, and boost domestic spending.

Announcing the deal, Babis said his partners are “united by their shared goal of replacing the outgoing government” of Prime Minister Petr Fiala, a strong supporter of Ukraine whose coalition launched an EU ammunition initiative for Kiev.

SPD leader Tomio Okamura hailed the pact as “the end of a government that harmed Czech interests,” while Motorists chief Petr Macinka called it “the first step toward the change demanded by voters.”

Under the Czech Constitution, once a coalition with at least 101 seats is formed, the president appoints the prime minister and cabinet. The new government must still win a parliamentary vote of confidence within 30 days. Babis, an agriculture billionaire, said he plans to have the new government formed by the end of November.