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Czech President Asks Babiš to Lead Government Talks After ANO’s Election Win

Pavel set conditions for any appointment, prioritizing legal vetting alongside preservation of key security commitments.

Former Czech Prime Minister and leader of the ANO party, Andrej Babis, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Prague, Czech Republic, July 14, 2025. REUTERS/David W Cerny/File Photo
Chairman of opposition "ANO" (YES) movement Andrej Babis leaves after talking with Czech Republic President Petr Pavel a day after he won the parliamentary elections, in Prague, Czech Republic, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Overview

  • Babiš was tasked to open coalition negotiations after ANO’s Oct. 3–4 victory, with a pledge to present a coalition agreement and priorities later this week.
  • ANO is negotiating with the Motorists and the far-right SPD on a majority that would control 108 of the 200 lower-house seats.
  • A reported outline envisions a 16-member cabinet with eight posts for ANO including the prime minister, four for the Motorists, and three for SPD.
  • Pavel urged the parties to keep the Czech-led artillery ammunition program for Kyiv, which Babiš has called overpriced and non transparent.
  • Parliament convenes on Nov. 3 to elect a new speaker, setting the earliest window for a cabinet change, and Pavel said Babiš must publicly address conflict-of-interest issues before any appointment.