Czechia turns conservative as Babiš loses elections

Czech’s voted for a shift towards more conservative parties following last weeks elections. Left-wing parties such as the social democrats and communist party, were unable to reach the necessary 5% threshold to keep them in parliament, meaning they will be effectively ousted.

Meanwhile, the conservative coalition SPOLU (“Together”) formed by Civic Democrats (ECR), Christian democrats, and TOP 09 (both EPP), narrowly beat the ANO party (Renew) of the current prime minister.

SPOLU coalition led by Petr Fiala received 27.79% of votes, while ANO got 27.12 %. A coalition of Pirates (Greens/EFA) & Mayors and Independents (EPP) ranked third with 15.62%. Far-right Freedom and Democracy Party (ID) received 9.56% of the votes.

“We did not expect that we would lose. I would like to congratulate Petr Fiala for a great finish. They did well, and I think that even they are surprised but we accept it,” said Babiš during a press conference after the elections.

Petr Fiala – political scientist and university professor – has been the leader of the Civic Democratic Party since 2013. Despite being criticised for lacking leadership skills, he is currently the top candidate to lead the country.

Two opposition blocks of centre-right Spolu and centre-left Pirates & Mayors and Independents are strong enough to form a majority government. They have already signed a memorandum on future cooperation. The five parties are jointly asking the Czech President to charge Petr Fiala to form the new government.

On Sunday 10 October, Czech President Miloš Zeman was transported to a military hospital. Zeman is currently in intensive care, but the public remains uninformed over his health condition. Before the elections, Zeman declared support to current PM Babiš and hinted that he would not charge a coalition to form the government, instead giving the task to the strongest party.

The strongest party following elections is Babiš’s ANO party. However, no party is willing to form a coalition with the current PM.

(Aneta Zachova, EURACTIV.cz)