Parliamentary elections start in the Czech Republic: the stakes are high for Ukraine

In the Czech Republic, two-day voting for the Chamber of Deputies (200 seats) has started today and will last 3-4 October 2025. The elections are held under a proportional system with a 5% threshold; the results are expected on Saturday.

Why it is important for Ukraine

Polls give the lead to the opposition movement ANO former prime minister Andrey Babish. His campaign emphasises domestic spending and is sceptical about further military aid to Ukraine - a possible reversal from the pro-Ukrainian course of the current Petro Fiala coalition. Although ANO may finish first, the formation of a majority remains open.

President Peter Paul (pro-European, former NATO commander) will appoint as prime minister someone who can form a workable coalition; he has also stated that he will be careful about candidates with openly anti-Euro-Atlantic positions. This adds uncertainty to the post-election puzzle.

Context and innovation

• Voting continues two days; Some Czechs abroad can vote for the first time by post, This expands the electorate.

• The key topics of the campaign include the cost of living, energy, foreign policy towards the EU/NATO and Russia's war against Ukraine.

• International media and analysts note that an ANO victory or a strong result for the right-wing populists could weaken Czech support for Kyiv and affect Prague's pro-European course.