Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis announced on Saturday the formation of a coalition government led by his ANO party, following its decisive victory in the general election held on October 3-4, 2025.

The coalition agreement includes the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy Party (SPD) and the right-wing Motorists party, marking a significant shift in the Czech Republic’s political landscape.

According to Radio Prague International, Babis finalized the coalition deal after meetings with SPD leader Tomio Okamura and Motorists party leader Petr Macinka. The populist leader revealed that the new Cabinet will consist of 16 members, with ANO controlling nine ministries, including the Prime Minister’s office. The SPD will oversee three ministries, notably including the Defense Ministry, and will nominate a candidate for Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. The Motorists party, a relatively new political force advocating for drivers’ rights, will hold four ministries, including the Foreign Ministry.

Babis also hinted at plans to establish new ministries to address emerging national priorities, though specifics remain undisclosed. While the names of the ministers have not yet been announced, the coalition government is expected to assume office on November 3, 2025, pending parliamentary approval.

The general election, which determined the 200 members of the Czech Republic’s lower house, saw ANO secure 34.51% of the vote, translating to 81 seats. The center-right alliance Spolu, comprising the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), TOP 09, and the Christian Democrats Union (KDU-CSL), came in second with 23.36% (55 seats). Other parties crossing the 5% threshold for parliamentary representation included the Mayors and Independents Party (STAN) with 11.23% (26 seats), the Czech Pirate Party with 8.97% (21 seats), the SPD with 7.78% (18 seats), and the Motorists party with 6.77% (16 seats). As no single party achieved the 101 seats needed for a majority, Babis moved swiftly to form a coalition with SPD and the Motorists party, securing a combined total of 115 seats.

Since the announcement, the coalition agreement has sparked intense debate across the Czech political spectrum. Critics, including members of the Spolu alliance and the Czech Pirate Party, have expressed concerns over the inclusion of the far-right SPD, known for its anti-immigration stance and Euroskeptic rhetoric. ODS leader Petr Fiala, speaking to Česká televize on October 10, warned that the coalition could “destabilize Czech foreign policy and weaken ties with the European Union.” Meanwhile, STAN and the Pirates have called for greater transparency regarding the proposed new ministries and their objectives.

On the other hand, Babis defended the coalition, emphasizing its commitment to addressing economic challenges, energy security, and infrastructure development. In a post on X on October 11, Babis stated, “This coalition reflects the will of the people. Together, we will deliver stability and progress for all Czechs.” Supporters of the Motorists party have praised the coalition’s focus on reducing bureaucratic hurdles for drivers and investing in transportation infrastructure.

Analysts note that the coalition’s success will hinge on its ability to reconcile the ideological differences between ANO’s centrist populism, SPD’s far-right nationalism, and the Motorists’ libertarian-leaning platform. Political commentator Jana Nováková, writing for Lidové noviny, suggested that “Babis’ pragmatism will be tested as he navigates the coalition’s diverse priorities, particularly on contentious issues like EU relations and immigration.”

The coalition’s formation also comes amid heightened public scrutiny, with protests planned in Prague on October 15 by civic groups opposing the SPD’s influence in government. As the November 3 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Babis to unveil his Cabinet and outline the coalition’s policy agenda, which will shape the Czech Republic’s trajectory in a geopolitically turbulent period. (ILKHA)