Czechs finished voting on Saturday in a general election in which the party of self-described “Trumpist” billionaire Andrej Babis is a front runner, triggering concerns about Prague’s support for Ukraine and future ties with the European Union.
Advertisement
A return to power by the former premier could draw the Czech Republic – an ally of Ukraine – closer to EU mavericks Hungary and Slovakia, which have refused military aid to Ukraine and oppose sanctions on Russia.
The election results were expected to be given later on Saturday.
Babis, 71, is campaigning on pledges of welfare and halting military aid to Ukraine.
Many voters in turn blame the centre-right coalition government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala for ignoring domestic problems in their country of 11 million people while providing aid to Ukraine.
Advertisement
Babis’ ANO (“Yes”) party topped opinion polls with support exceeding 30 per cent, ahead of Fiala’s Together grouping with about 20 per cent.