Fiala’s Cabinet Steps Down
On November 6, 2025, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that his government had agreed to resign following the election of a new parliamentary speaker, Tomio Okamura from the far-right SPD party. In line with the constitution, the outgoing cabinet will remain in a caretaker role until a new government is appointed.
Babiš Moves Toward Power
President Petr Pavel has asked Andrej Babiš, leader of the populist ANO movement, to form the next government. Babiš’s ANO has already reached a coalition deal with the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the eurosceptic Motorists (Motoristy) party. Together, they control 108 of the 200 seats in the lower house. The coalition aims to establish a government by mid-December.
Priorities of the New Coalition
The incoming coalition has pledged to freeze taxes, reject EU “green transition” measures, tighten migration policy, and create a register of NGOs receiving foreign funding. It opposes the adoption of the euro and any plans for a unified European army.
Uncertain Policy Toward Ukraine
Under Fiala’s leadership, Prague became one of Kyiv’s strongest European allies, launching the international “ammunition initiative” to supply artillery shells to Ukraine. The new coalition, however, takes a more cautious line—promising only to support “diplomatic efforts” to end the war without specifying conditions. Babiš has often voiced skepticism about Ukraine’s EU membership and may seek to scale down military support in favor of humanitarian aid.
Challenges Ahead
President Pavel has warned that he will oppose ministerial candidates who could jeopardize Czech commitments to the EU and NATO. This may affect coalition plans to assign the defense portfolio to SPD, which has promised to nominate an independent expert. Meanwhile, Motorists intend to propose former race car driver Filip Turek for the post of foreign minister—despite controversy over his past social media activity referencing Nazi imagery.
Risks of Russian Influence
Analysts warn that Moscow may attempt to exploit the Czech political shift to boost its influence through disinformation and support for Eurosceptic parties. Russian propaganda outlets have already portrayed the change in Prague as proof of “Europe’s fatigue with Ukraine.”
Fiala’s resignation marks the end of a firmly pro-Ukrainian government and the beginning of a more ambiguous era in Czech politics. While Babiš is unlikely to pursue openly pro-Russian policies, his pragmatic and Eurosceptic stance may redefine Prague’s role within the EU, NATO, and the broader European response to the war in Ukraine.
