Czechs are likely to oust the center-right government in elections on Friday and Saturday, reports „Reuters“, reports News.bg.
According to sociological surveys, billionaire Andrej Babis has the advantage, as he seeks to return to power with promises to raise wages and stimulate growth, while reducing aid to Ukraine. Such a change would strengthen the anti-immigration camp in Europe and complicate the EU's common climate policies.
After years of inflation peaks and falling real incomes, Czechs remain disappointed with the rule of Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the „Spolu“ coalition, which places emphasis on reducing the budget deficit. Traditionally, Czech voters are looking for change – no incumbent government has won a second term since 1996.
Babiš, a close ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament, takes a different line from Fiala on Ukraine. While the current government was among the first to donate tanks and military equipment to Kiev, Babis has promised to end the expensive ammunition project, insisting that the funds should be used for Czech citizens.
His ANO party is expected to win over 30% of the vote, about 10 points ahead of the SPŁU. However, the likelihood of a majority on his own is slim and Babis may need the support of smaller parties, including anti-European and anti-NATO groups such as the far-right Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the far-left Stacílo!.
Despite concerns that he would move the country away from a pro-Western course, Babis has categorically rejected leaving the EU or NATO. "We have no money here for our people. Our program is for a better life for Czech citizens. We are not in Ukraine," he said in a television debate this week.
His candidacy, however, is beset by obstacles - including conflict of interest laws as the owner of a large business empire and a trial on charges of fraud with an EU subsidy, which he denies.
However, many voters remember his previous administration as being more favorable to living standards. "It was better under Babis," entrepreneur Martin Klihavec told a rally.
A key moment for the elections will be whether small parties will manage to pass the 5% threshold to enter parliament. If they do not, "Union" could retain power, as it did in the previous vote.
Polling stations will be open from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Results are expected on Saturday afternoon.