Image: from Andrej Babiš X@AndrejBabis
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
PRAGUE, Czech Republic – Andrej Babis, the populist leader of the ANO party, has returned to the forefront of Czech politics, formally appointed as the country’s new prime minister by President Petr Pavel on Tuesday at Prague Castle. The 71-year-old politician, making his third ascent to the premiership, becomes the oldest individual to lead a Czech government, nearly four years after his previous term concluded.
Babis’s return is predicated on the formation of a right-leaning coalition following weeks of intense political negotiation. His new government will be composed of his own ANO movement, the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, and the smaller, protest-oriented Motorists’ party.
The alliance signifies a distinct shift in Prague’s political landscape, cementing a rightward turn in the Central European nation. The full cabinet, comprised of the new ministers, is expected to be officially sworn in early next week, pending final presidential approval.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the newly appointed prime minister pledged to unify the country, stating his intention to “defend the interests of all citizens” and strive to make the Czech Republic “the best place to live.”
Lingering Nomination Issue
Despite the successful formation of the coalition, one key nomination remains a point of contention. President Pavel reportedly maintains reservations about the Motorists’ party nominee, Filip Turek. Turek missed a scheduled consultation with the President due to health reasons, and President Pavel is expected to revisit the nomination before giving his final signature to the full cabinet list.
European Implications
Babis’s return is already drawing attention from Brussels. European Council President Antonio Costa offered his congratulations, emphasizing the desire for continued cooperation within the framework of the European Union.
However, Babis’s previous tenure as prime minister (2017 to 2021) was characterized by frequent friction with EU institutions, particularly concerning adherence to the rule of law and migration policy. His leadership of a new coalition that includes the far-right SPD is widely anticipated to harden Prague’s stance on European issues, potentially increasing Euroscepticism and resistance to EU-wide immigration mandates. Political observers suggest the new alliance will heavily influence the direction of Czech policy regarding sovereignty and its role within the European bloc.