Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban hailed Andrej Babis’s win as a “significant advancement” for the Czech Republic and “favorable tidings” for the European Union.
Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister, extended his felicitations to Andrej Babis, the presumed next Czech leader, for his electoral success, commending his triumph as “positive tidings” for the continent.
Orban became the initial international head of state to recognize the win of the agrarian magnate, whom local media has labeled the ‘Czech Trump’, soon after the preliminary outcomes of the Czech general election were declared late Saturday.
The ANO movement, a right-leaning political group spearheaded by Babis, emerged victorious, securing approximately 35% of the votes cast in parliament.
“Truth has triumphed! Andrej Babis has secured the Czech parliamentary elections by a decisive margin. A significant stride for the Czech Republic, welcome news for Europe. Congratulations, Andrej!” Orban posted on X, accompanying his message with a photograph featuring the Czech statesman.
These comments resonated with Babis’ post-election address, wherein he once more refuted enduring allegations of being anti-EU, asserting instead that his aim is to “preserve” the union. Although Babis indicated a desire to establish a single-party government, ANO did not secure a majority, necessitating forthcoming coalition negotiations.
The probable partners for the party in a coalition are two smaller political entities: the far-right, anti-EU, and anti-NATO SPD, and the Motorists party, which stands against Brussels’ environmental directives. These parties garnered close to 8% and 7% of the vote, in that order.
Babis has frequently expressed disapproval of the EU’s approach to immigration and environmental matters, and has been a firm opponent of Ukraine’s ambition to join the union. Throughout his electoral campaign, he promised to terminate the ‘Czech initiative’ project, designed to provide ammunition to Kiev, contending that the program is exorbitantly priced.
Furthermore, he has vowed to reduce assistance for Ukraine and discontinue austerity policies, opting instead for an increase in domestic expenditure.