"With over 90% of votes counted the right-wing populist party ANO of billionaire former Prime Minister Andrej Babis, a self-described "Trumpist" who opposes continued military assistance for Ukraine, had garnered 36% of the vote. ANO translates to "Yes" but is also an acronym for Action of Dissatisfied Citizens. The center-right Spolu (Together) coalition, headed by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, is on track to take 22.4% of the vote."
"Observers fear ANO's victory in the Chamber of Deputies vote could spell trouble for Ukraine. The Czech Republic under Fiala has been a steadfast ally to Kyiv. Saturday's result could further tip the balance of power within the EU as well, with the Czech Republic potentially joining truculent Hungary and Slovakia in opposition to Brussels. Hungary and Slovakia have rejected Ukraine military aid and challenged EU sanctions against Russia."
"Babis has dubbed himself a "peacemonger" during the campaign and promised a "Czech first" approach to leadership. Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in the eastern city of Ostrava, Babis said, "Nothing is certain, we haven't won yet." Fiala, casting his ballot in Brno, made the stakes of the election clear, saying voters are "deciding the direction of the Czech Republic whether we head into the past or into the future, whether our path goes east or west.""
Right-wing populist ANO, led by billionaire Andrej Babis, led early returns with roughly 36% of the vote while the center-right Spolu coalition trailed at about 22.4%. ANO opposes continued military assistance for Ukraine and positions itself with a "Czech first" approach; Babis has described himself as a "peacemonger." The Czech Republic under Prime Minister Petr Fiala has been a steadfast ally to Kyiv. ANO's victory could shift Czech policy on Ukraine and alter the EU balance, potentially aligning Prague with Hungary and Slovakia, which have rejected Ukraine military aid and challenged EU sanctions on Russia.
Read at www.dw.com
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