On October 3–4, 2025, the Czech Republic will hold parliamentary elections that many observers describe as the most consequential since the country joined the European Union. The vote comes at a time when Prague faces a barrage of hybrid threats from Russia — ranging from drone incursions and airspace violations to sabotage against energy infrastructure, cyberattacks, and large-scale disinformation campaigns. The outcome will not only determine the composition of the next government, but also signal how firmly the Czech Republic intends to defend its security within the framework of the EU and NATO.
Babiš under scrutiny
At the center of attention is Andrej Babiš, billionaire businessman and leader of the ANO movement. Known for his eurosceptic stance and ambiguous views on Russia, Babiš has long been surrounded by controversy. The Pandora Papersrevealed evidence suggesting that he may have collaborated with the communist-era secret police StB under the codename “Bureš.” Although Czech lustration laws should have barred former StB collaborators from holding high office, Babiš was never affected — his complete file mysteriously disappeared from the archives.
Economically, Babiš is equally divisive. During his premiership, critics accused him of channeling EU subsidies through his Agrofert conglomerate to benefit his own companies. In the current campaign, he speaks cautiously about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but has promised to halt Czech ammunition deliveries to Kyiv if he returns to power. His skeptical remarks about both the EU and NATO continue to raise doubts about his reliability as an international partner.
Russian influence in the digital sphere
Weeks before the vote, the analysis company Online Risk Labs revealed that around 300 TikTok accounts spreading pro-Russian narratives had been actively promoting ANO, SPD, and Stačilo!. These videos reached five to nine million views per week — far more than the official channels of mainstream parties combined. The content justified Russia’s war, attacked the EU and NATO, and amplified populist forces. The impact is amplified by TikTok’s popularity: about a quarter of the Czech population uses the platform regularly.
Ukrainian refugees in the campaign spotlight
Another hot-button issue is the integration of Ukrainian refugees. Right-wing parties blame them for rising living costs. Yet official figures tell a different story: according to the Ministry of Labor, Ukrainian refugees contributed 15 billion crowns in taxes and levies in just the first half of 2025, while state support expenses amounted to 7.6 billion. Minister Marian Jurečka stressed that since 2023, refugee contributions have consistently outweighed public costs.
Coalition arithmetic — two very different paths
ANO would need at least 101 of the 200 seats in the Chamber of Deputies to govern alone. If that goal falls short, coalitions with EU-critical parties such as SPD, Stačilo!, or Motoristé remain possible. These groups oppose the EU’s climate and energy policy, reject further aid to Ukraine, and call for “pragmatic” relations with authoritarian states like Russia, China, or Iran. Standing in stark contrast is the ruling coalition “Spolu,” which advocates strong integration with Western partners.
New voting methods
For the first time, certain groups will be allowed to vote by mail: young citizens, people with disabilities, Czechs living abroad, and so-called “weekend commuters.” The reform is designed to boost turnout and reflect modern lifestyles. The government pins particular hopes on the Czech diaspora, estimated at up to 600,000 eligible voters worldwide. Their ballots could tip the scales and decide whether Prague strengthens its European course — or drifts into geopolitical uncertainty.
🔗 Full article: weltstimme.at
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