Czech Republic Shifts Direction with New Government
The Czech Republic has a new government, and it's not what everyone expected. Andrej Babiš, a billionaire and populist leader, is back in charge.
A New Coalition
Babiš was sworn in by President Petr Pavel. This new government is a mix of Babiš's ANO movement and two smaller parties:
- Freedom and Direct Democracy party: Anti-migrant
- Motorists for Themselves: Right-wing
Together, they form a 16-member Cabinet.
Policy Shifts
This change means big shifts in Czech policies:
- EU and Ukraine: Babiš and his allies are not fans of the European Union's policies or supporting Ukraine.
- Admiration for Trump: They admire U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Domestic Plans: Plans to reduce electricity prices, change pension reforms, and control public broadcasting.
Party-Specific Goals
- Freedom Party: Wants to leave the EU and NATO, expel Ukrainian refugees.
- Motorists: Want to revive coal, improve relations with Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland.
Babiš's Comeback
Babiš's return to power is a comeback. He was prime minister before, from 2017 to 2021. Now, he's joining forces with leaders like:
- Viktor Orbán of Hungary
- Robert Fico of Slovakia
These leaders also oppose helping Ukraine and EU sanctions on Russia. Babiš has even formed a new group in the European Parliament called "Patriots for Europe" to represent hard-right groups.
Expected Changes
The new government's policies are expected to redefine the Czech Republic's stance on both foreign and domestic issues:
- Abandoning Ukraine Support: Plans to abandon a Czech initiative supplying Ukraine with artillery shells.
- Improving Relations: The Motorists blame the former government for damaging relations with Slovakia and Hungary.
- Domestic Reforms: Promises to present a plan to reduce electricity prices, revoke a pension reform, and change the financing of public radio and television.
