Czech Republic elections: anti-Ukrainian forces break through to the leaders

The Czech Republic will hold parliamentary elections on Friday, October 3. Polls will open at 2:00 p.m. local time and will remain open until 10:00 p.m., with voting continuing from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the following day. Counting will begin immediately after that, with the first results expected to be announced on the evening of October 4.

This is reported by iDNES.

Polls show that the ANO party of former Prime Minister Andrej Babis has the best chance of winning, gaining about 29.3% of the vote. The politician himself is known for his anti-Ukrainian statements. His return to power could affect the country’s foreign policy, in particular regarding support for Ukraine.

In second place is the party of current Prime Minister Petr Fiala with a projected 20.5%. According to opinion polls, third place is occupied by another force with a pronounced anti-Ukrainian rhetoric – the right-wing populist SPD, which could receive about 13.4%.

The centrist STAN party (11.7%), the Czech Pirate Party (Česká pirátská strana, Piráti) (10.1%), the far-right AUTO (5.9%) and the left-populist Stačilo! (5.5%) also have a chance to overcome the barrier. In total, 200 parliamentary seats will be distributed in the Czech Parliament.

Many observers in the Czech Republic and abroad view the possible victory of Andrej Babis as a signal for a change in the country’s foreign policy.

“Andrzej Babis constantly questions defense spending, questions support for Ukraine. And recently he questioned whether he would come to the aid of Poland if it were attacked,” Prime Minister Petr Fiala notes .

However, such a development does not seem inevitable. Moreover, the last days before the elections have shown that the likelihood of a sharp change in the Czech Republic’s foreign policy is decreasing even if Babis wins.

Recall, earlier, Czech President Petr Pavel spoke in favor of continuing the initiative to supply ammunition to Ukraine . He emphasized that any attempts to limit or terminate this program would be a “dangerous and regrettable” decision that could undermine the trust of allies.

Pavel also commented on the statements of the opposition party ANO, which promised to roll back the initiative if it wins the elections. He insists that the program should continue, as it not only helps Ukraine, but also strengthens international solidarity.