Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Former Czech prime minister Andrej Babiš has agreed to lead a new government after signing a coalition pact with two right-wing groups, paving the way for his return to power four years after leaving office.
His movement, ANO 2011, which won the October parliamentary election, has reached an agreement with the Motorists for Themselves party and the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) movement. Together, the three groups command a slim majority of 108 seats in the 200-member lower house, enough to form a government if confirmed by parliament.
The deal follows President Petr Pavel’s formal invitation for Babiš to attempt to form a cabinet after his party’s clear victory in early October. The coalition’s programme is expected to be finalised within the coming weeks, with the government likely to be sworn in before the end of the year.
Under the agreement, ANO will hold half of the cabinet posts, including the premiership and the finance, defence, and foreign affairs portfolios. The Motorists party will take responsibility for transport and energy, while SPD is expected to oversee interior, labour, and environmental affairs.
The new administration’s agenda is expected to focus on economic stability, infrastructure investment, and reduced taxation for lower-income households. It also plans to reassess elements of the European Union’s environmental and energy policies.
Foreign policy may shift toward a more cautious engagement with Brussels and a reduced emphasis on military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. Analysts warn that cooperation with two smaller parties known for their eurosceptic and nationalist views could complicate relations with the EU and NATO.
Babiš, who previously led the government between 2017 and 2021, has framed his comeback as a move to “restore pragmatic leadership” after what he described as years of weak growth and rising costs under the outgoing administration. The coalition must now prepare its policy statement and budget proposal ahead of a confidence vote expected in early 2026.
If approved, the new government will mark a significant political realignment in Prague — one that combines technocratic management with populist rhetoric and nationalist influence.
