Czech President Petr Pavel on Monday officially appointed a new government led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, marking the billionaire politician’s return to power after four years in opposition. The move follows the October parliamentary elections, which were won by Babiš’s populist ANO party.
At 71, Babiš steps back into the prime minister’s office at a time of political and economic uncertainty for the Czech Republic. His new administration is formed through a coalition that includes the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD), known for its anti-European Union stance and pro-Russian leanings, as well as the Motorists for Themselves party, a group strongly opposed to the European Union’s climate policies.
The composition of the coalition has already sparked debate both domestically and across Europe. Critics have raised concerns over the government’s position on EU integration, foreign policy, and environmental commitments, while supporters argue that the election result reflects voter frustration with rising costs, regulations, and political elites.
As the new government begins its term, all eyes will be on how Babiš balances domestic demands with international pressure, particularly regarding relations with the European Union and the Czech Republic’s role in regional and global affairs.
Beyond politics, this moment represents a turning point for ordinary citizens. For many Czechs, this government is not just about power shifts in Prague, but about everyday realities jobs, prices, energy security, and the future their children will inherit. Whether hope or concern dominates, one thing is clear: the country is entering a new chapter, and its impact will be felt far beyond parliament walls.
