In February 2025, billionaire Andrej Babiš and his party, ANO, formed a coalition government in the Czech Republic with far-right parties, the Freedom and Democracy Party (SPD) and the Drivers’ Party (AUTO), marking a significant shift toward fascist governance nearly 35 years after the Velvet Revolution. ANO won 34.5% of parliamentary votes, leading to a coalition that prioritizes militarization and social cuts.
Babiš, who previously served from 2017 to 2021, faced significant losses in the 2021 elections but has now returned to power, supported by parties known for anti-migrant sentiments and extreme nationalist views. The coalition’s agenda includes tax cuts, maintaining military spending, and implementing drastic cuts to healthcare, pensions, and education—all while reinforcing a hardline stance against illegal immigration.
The coalition has drawn concerns from the EU about its commitment to pro-Western policies, but Babiš and his partners have signaled continued support for Ukraine and EU membership. The rise of openly fascist forces in governance reflects a broader trend across Europe, where far-right parties gain power amid increasing militarization and diminishing social welfare—a development seen as threatening to democratic norms and social stability.
