Billionaire Politician Andrej Babiš Targets Czech Premiership Again

Andrej Babiš, the billionaire former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, is making a significant bid for political power as parliamentary elections approach on the first weekend of October 2024. Last month, Babiš ascended to the summit of Lysa Hora, the highest peak in the Beskydy mountains, accompanied by supporters of his ANO party. “I expected it to be harder,” he remarked, exuding confidence as he prepares for a return to the premiership.

Babiš, aged 71, served as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021, a term marked by controversy and legal battles related to his substantial business interests. Critics have accused him of misusing EU subsidies to support Agrofert, the agricultural conglomerate he founded. His previous tenure ignited widespread protests, yet his potential comeback could signal a shift back to a populist agenda in the Czech Republic, characterized by Euroscepticism and anti-immigration sentiments, following four years of governance by a centre-right coalition.

Political Repercussions of Babiš’s Return

Babiš’s political trajectory has drawn comparisons to that of Donald Trump, aligning himself with right-wing movements by selling merchandise such as red caps that read “Strong Czechia.” His rhetoric has increasingly echoed nationalist sentiments, particularly regarding immigration and Czech sovereignty against EU regulations. A successful campaign could revitalize the Visegrad alliance, comprising the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland, which has previously resisted EU migration policies.

Karel Havlíček, ANO’s deputy leader, emphasized the need for a coalition of Central European nations to strengthen their collective negotiating power with the EU. He stated, “It is better to discuss with the European Union as a platform of 60 million or 70 million people than only as one player like the Czech Republic.”

However, critics warn that a Babiš-led government may also enhance Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence in Europe. Like Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Robert Fico in Slovakia, Babiš has expressed skepticism towards increasing military aid for Ukraine. His party, ANO, has aligned itself with far-right groups in the European Parliament, raising concerns about their stance on Russia.

Political analyst Jan Rafael Lupoměský noted that Babiš’s return would affirm a preference among voters for strong leaders who view the EU as adversarial, suggesting that many feel marginalized within the European framework. Former Czech President Václav Klaus questioned the authenticity of Babiš’s ideological shift, asking whether it stemmed from genuine conviction or simply his time in opposition.

Campaign Dynamics and Public Perception

In personal interviews, Babiš has conveyed a sense of humility regarding his ambitions. “It’s really not important for me to be the prime minister, but it’s important for the people,” he stated in July during a discussion in Prague. Despite his claims of downplaying personal ambition, allies describe him as an energetic and relentless leader capable of rallying support.

Věra Jourová, a former vice-president of the European Commission and an early leader of ANO, recalled Babiš’s “bulldozer style” during the party’s inception, which ultimately led to a surprising second-place finish in the 2013 elections. This result indicated a strong desire among Czechs for political change.

Babiš’s previous business dealings have consistently raised concerns about conflicts of interest. Following the acquisition of a media group by Agrofert in 2013, he faced accusations reminiscent of Silvio Berlusconi. In response to public scrutiny, the Czech parliament introduced the “Lex Babiš” legislation in 2016, compelling him to place his businesses in a trust. Despite these measures, street protests continued, culminating in a significant turnout of approximately 120,000 demonstrators in Prague in 2019 against his perceived influence in the judiciary and media.

Babiš’s political fortunes have seen a resurgence, with recent polls indicating a lead of around 10 percentage points for the ANO party over the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala. Following the divestment of his media company, Babiš has attempted to portray his wealth and business experience as assets capable of cleansing Czech politics. “For a country, it’s a good thing when rich people go into politics,” he argued, positioning himself as a counter to corruption in government.

Despite his optimistic outlook, Agrofert remains under investigation. A Czech high court recently reopened a fraud case linked to EU subsidies, while Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný announced that the government would demand a repayment of 5.1 billion korunas (€210 million) in questionable subsidies. Babiš has dismissed these claims as politically motivated attacks against him.

As Babiš campaigns, he has capitalized on the ruling coalition’s internal struggles and controversies. The departure of the left-leaning Pirates from the coalition last September and a recent scandal involving a significant donation to the justice ministry have further weakened Fiala’s government. Babiš has criticized the administration for proposed reforms to raise the retirement age and for increasing military support for Ukraine, promising to suspend such initiatives if elected.

The upcoming election is portrayed by Fiala as a critical moment for the Czech Republic, framing it as a choice between maintaining alignment with the EU and NATO or allowing Babiš to align with pro-Russian governments. Activists opposing Babiš have intensified their efforts, using provocative imagery and slogans to underscore their warnings about his potential leadership.

In a political landscape filled with uncertainty, Babiš’s return to prominence reflects broader trends of populism and nationalism across Europe. His candidacy not only reopens debates about Czech sovereignty and EU relations but also raises questions about the future political alignment of the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.