Czech Republic’s new coalition signals a sharp turn on migration, EU spending and integration

In a move that reshapes the political landscape of Central Europe, Czech President Petr Pavel has appointed Andrej Babiš as the country’s new prime minister following his coalition’s decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections. The appointment marks a dramatic comeback for the populist leader, whose ANO movement secured enough seats to form a government with a bloc of far-right and staunchly Eurosceptic parties.

The coalition agreement, concluded after intense late‑night negotiations, sets the stage for a significant shift in Prague’s posture toward the European Union. Diplomats in Brussels and Prague alike are interpreting the new arrangement as a potential pivot away from the country’s traditionally pragmatic approach to EU policymaking.

Babiš, addressing supporters in Prague shortly after being tasked with forming the new government, framed the election results as “a mandate for protecting Czech sovereignty” and pledged to challenge what he described as “bureaucratic overreach” from EU institutions. His coalition partners—some of whom have campaigned on platforms rejecting deeper EU integration—are expected to push for stricter control over national spending priorities and resistance to EU‑level migration policies.

The issue of migration is poised to become the government’s most contentious battlefield with Brussels. The coalition has already outlined its intention to roll back participation in EU burden‑sharing mechanisms and to oppose upcoming proposals related to asylum reform. Analysts warn that this stance could strain relations with neighboring countries that have called for collective responsibility within the bloc.

Within Prague, reactions to Babiš’s return are sharply divided. Supporters view the new government as a corrective force after what they considered years of disconnected technocratic rule. Critics, however, fear democratic backsliding and increased polarization, warning that the inclusion of far‑right elements could embolden extremist rhetoric and threaten minority protections.

Economists are also evaluating the implications of the coalition’s fiscal plans, which include reasserting national discretion over EU‑funded programs and challenging Brussels on spending conditions. While the government insists these moves are necessary to protect Czech taxpayers, European officials have expressed concern that the new posture could jeopardize future funding streams and undermine cohesion within the bloc.

Beyond Europe, Babiš’s foreign‑policy orientation remains an open question. Though he has signaled a continued commitment to NATO, his skepticism toward EU‑wide security initiatives introduces uncertainty at a time when regional cooperation is increasingly interconnected. Observers in Warsaw, Berlin and Vienna are watching closely as Prague begins to redefine its diplomatic priorities.

Despite the turbulence, the incoming prime minister exuded confidence as he began consultations with party leaders and civil‑society groups. He emphasized that the coalition would “restore order and predictability” to government operations, though he offered few specifics on how competing ideological factions within his alliance would collaborate.

For now, the Czech Republic stands at a crossroads. The new government’s trajectory—whether toward more assertive sovereignty or deeper confrontation with the European Union—will become clearer in the months ahead. What is certain is that Babiš’s return marks a new chapter in Czech politics, one that may reverberate far beyond the country’s borders.