Summary
Billionaire Andrej Babis's ANO party leads the Czech Republic's parliamentary election but lacks a majority. Prime Minister Petr Fiala's party conceded defeat, and coalition talks are anticipated. The election saw high voter turnout, with the President expected to facilitate discussions to form a government.
Key Facts
- Andrej Babis's ANO party received 35% of the votes but did not achieve a majority.
- Prime Minister Petr Fiala's Spolu alliance secured 23% of the votes and acknowledged defeat.
- Voter turnout was high at 68%, the most since 1998.
- Over 4,400 candidates from 26 parties competed for 200 parliamentary seats.
- President Petr Pavel will start coalition talks once results are finalized.
- ANO may seek alliances with other parties, such as the SPD, which opposes EU and NATO policies.
- SPD received 8% of the vote but is willing to support an ANO-led government.
- Babis shifted his views in recent years, adopting more right-wing and eurosceptic positions.
