Andrej Babiš's Populist ANO Movement Wins Landslide Victory in Czech Republic Election

Czech Republic Election: Populist Billionaire Andrej Babiš Wins Big PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Billionaire Andrej Babiš's populist ANO (YES) movement secured a resounding victory in the country's parliamentary election, according to official results released on Saturday. With nearly 99.5% of polling stations counted by the Statistics Office, Babiš's party captured 34.7% of the vote, outpacing the Together conservative coalition led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala with 23.2%. Babiš was jubilant after his best electoral result, calling it "historic" for himself and his movement since its inception in 2013. "We want the Czech Republic to become the best place for life in the European Union and we will do everything to achieve this goal," he declared at the ANO party headquarters. The election outcome is likely to have significant implications for the country's stance on Ukraine, with some analysts predicting a shift towards Hungary and Slovakia, which have taken a more pro-Russian path. "This result could lead to a change in Czech foreign policy, potentially moving away from supporting Ukraine," said political analyst Jan Urban. Babiš's ANO party has been accused of having ties to Russia and promoting a pro-Russian agenda. Critics argue that his election victory will further erode the country's commitment to European values and democratic principles. "This is a worrying development for those who care about democracy and human rights in the Czech Republic," said Ondřej Kovařík, a member of the opposition Freedom and Direct Democracy party. The election was held on October 4, 2025, with voter turnout reported at around 60%. The ANO party's victory is seen as a comeback for Babiš, who had been ousted from office in 2022 but managed to regain popularity through his charismatic leadership and populist policies. As the country prepares for a new government, analysts are divided on what this means for Czech politics. "This result shows that the Czech people are looking for change and are willing to take risks," said political scientist Petr Kratochvíl. Others, however, warn of potential consequences for democracy in the region. "The rise of populist leaders like Babiš is a threat to democratic institutions and values in Central Europe," cautioned Jan Urban. The official results will be confirmed by the Czech Parliament, which is expected to convene soon to discuss the election outcome and form a new government. As the country navigates this transition, observers will be watching closely for any signs of a shift towards a more authoritarian or pro-Russian stance. *Reporting by Fortune.*