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Andrej Babiš Sworn In as Czech Prime Minister, Steering Eurosceptic Coalition

Brussels anticipates a sharper Czech challenge to EU priorities following his return.

Leader of ANO political movement Andrej Babis, left, is sworn in as the country's new prime minister by Czech Republic's President Petr Pavel at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Leader of ANO political movement Andrej Babis, left, toasts with Czech Republic's President Petr Pavel after being sworn in as the country's new prime minister at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Leader of ANO political movement Andrej Babis, left, is sworn in as the country's new prime minister by Czech Republic's President Petr Pavel at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Leader of ANO political movement Andrej Babisn holds a glass of champagne after being sworn in as the country's new prime minister at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Overview

  • Babiš was appointed and sworn in by President Petr Pavel after pledging to distance himself from Agrofert through independent oversight to address conflict-of-interest concerns.
  • His ANO movement secured a majority with Freedom and Direct Democracy and Motorists for Themselves, controlling 108 of 200 lower-house seats and planning a 16-member cabinet.
  • The coalition’s program asserts that the EU has “its limits,” with Babiš having campaigned on curbing aid to Ukraine and partners signaling resistance to EU climate and migration measures.
  • European officials and observers warn that Babiš could align with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico, with his Patriots for Europe ties raising the prospect of coordinated obstruction of EU legislation.
  • Babiš faces a forthcoming trial over an alleged €2 million subsidy fraud, while one proposed minister, Filip Turek of the Motorists, is under police investigation and has drawn scrutiny over past conduct.