From Fiala to Babiš: Why Czech Governments Fail the Nation’s Future

The Czech Republic has transitioned from the administration of Petr Fiala to a new government led by Andrej Babiš following parliamentary elections held in early October 2025. The shift in power follows a comprehensive defeat of the incumbent pro-Ukrainian coalition, marking a return to leadership for Babiš and his ANO movement.

The election results saw the ANO party emerge as the clear winner, securing 34.5% of the vote and 80 of the 200 seats in the lower house. This result represented a significant increase for Babiš compared to the 2021 elections.

Causes of the Coalition’s Defeat

Analysis indicates that the outgoing coalition government, led by Petr Fiala, was punished by voters for a dismal economic record. The electorate faced severe cost-of-living pressures, which contributed to the government’s unpopularity.

The coalition also faced criticism for its approach to the rural electorate. Supporters of the Fiala government reportedly used derogatory terms such as desolates and pork eaters to describe opposition voters. This hostile campaigning appeared to alienate voters in small towns and the countryside, who turned out in record numbers to vote.

Voter turnout reached its highest level since the first post-revolutionary vote of 1990. This surge was primarily driven by older voters from regional areas rather than young pro-Western voters. These electors largely ignored the coalition’s final campaign warnings that the country could be kidnapped by the East, responding instead to the messaging provided by Babiš.

The Legacy of Petr Fiala’s Administration

Despite the electoral defeat, some political analysts have argued that the Fiala government performed well under difficult circumstances. Political scientist Otto Eibl of Brno’s Masaryk University rated the government’s performance as a solid seven, maybe eight out of 10, noting that the administration had to face several crises.

Eibl suggested that the public’s dislike of the government was influenced by narratives spread by opposition parties and disinformators, rather than purely by the government’s actual performance.

Challenges for the Babiš Government

The return of Andrej Babiš to power brings several uncertainties regarding the formation and stability of the new government. Concerns have been raised about whether Babiš’s ongoing legal issues could potentially block his appointment.

While the ANO party was the dominant winner, the composition of the new government remains a point of focus. Reports indicate that at least one hard-right party is likely to join the administration.

Observers note that while the pro-Ukrainian government was defeated, the Czech Republic is not expected to become a Hungarian-style illiberal state. The election results suggest a shift toward pragmatism and self-interest among the electorate, as the most extreme elements of both the left and right were either weakened or defeated.

Following the transition, the new government entered into an early power struggle with the Czech President, as highlighted in reports from March 2026.