Politics Right-wing populist Babis is the new head of government in the Czech Republic
More than two months after the parliamentary elections, the Czech Republic has a new right-wing populist head of government in billionaire Andrej Babis. President Petr Pavel swore in the 71-year-old in a solemn ceremony at Prague Castle.
09.12.2025, 10:24
SDA
Babis has formed a coalition with two parties on the far right, the motorists' party Motorists and the anti-immigration Freedom and Direct Democracy.
Dispute over conflicting interests
This was preceded by a weeks-long power struggle between the election winner Babis and the president. Pavel demanded that the billionaire resolve his conflict of interest arising from his role as an entrepreneur and EU subsidy recipient on the one hand and politician on the other. Babis relented by promising to hand over his company holding Agrofert to a trust. Critics, however, spoke of legal dodges.
According to the constitution, the new prime minister must submit a vote of confidence within 30 days. Together, the new alliance has 108 of the 200 seats in the House of Representatives. Until all new cabinet members have been appointed, the existing ministers will remain in office on a caretaker basis. At EU level, Babis' ANO is working together with the Hungarian Fidesz and the Austrian FPÖ in one parliamentary group.
