Andrej Babiš has returned to the helm of the Czech Republic at a moment of political realignment, forming a majority coalition that is poised to redirect the country’s stance on regional security, EU policy, and domestic governance. Sworn in after his bold electoral comeback, the 71-year-old billionaire resumes the role of Czech prime minister with a new right-leaning alliance that commands 108 seats in parliament. His partners—the anti-migration Freedom and Direct Democracy party and the Motorists for Themselves movement—have signalled scepticism toward deeper EU integration and environmental regulation, setting the tone for a markedly different agenda from the previous government.
President Petr Pavel appointed Babiš after securing a pledge that he would divest his business empire to prevent conflicts of interest. Babiš said he would place Agrofert, the conglomerate he built from the ground up, into an independently managed trust until his death. Critics, however, questioned whether such an arrangement could truly sever influence, pointing to his long-standing ties to managers and the extent of Agrofert’s operations across agriculture, chemicals, media, and food production. Transparency groups noted that Czech law does not recognise traditional blind trusts, making the structure both unusual and legally complex.
The new coalition has prompted speculation about a shift in Prague’s foreign policy. Some analysts suggest the government may align more closely with positions taken by Hungary and Slovakia, particularly regarding support for Ukraine during Russia’s nearly four-year war. Under former prime minister Petr Fiala, the Czech Republic delivered significant humanitarian and military assistance and hosted roughly half a million Ukrainian refugees. Whether this approach continues remains a key question for European partners. Hungary’s Viktor Orbán welcomed Babiš’s return, calling him “an old ally”, a remark that emphasised the geopolitical implications of the change.
Babiš has emphasised that he intends to advocate for Czech interests globally, saying he wants to create the best possible conditions for life in the country. He also told citizens he aimed to act as a unifying figure at home and abroad. His second term begins as his economic influence remains extensive, stretching from food producers to private clinics managed through Hartenberg Holding.
