Czech Coalition Formed Amid Ethics Controversy Over Far-Right Nominee

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

PRAGUE/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, 71, announced Monday that he had formed a new governing coalition with right-wing and anti-Islam partners, triggering immediate controversy over his plan to appoint a foreign minister accused of racist and abusive behavior.

Babiš, a populist billionaire and leader of the ANO (Yes) party, signed a coalition agreement with the Motorists for Themselves (AUTO) movement and the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party — both known for anti-Islam, anti-immigration, and Eurosceptic views. The deal gives him a working majority in the 200-seat parliament following last month’s election victory.

The coalition marks a sharp turn to the right in Czech politics and is expected to strain relations with Brussels, as both of Babiš’s partners have campaigned on nationalist platforms emphasizing sovereignty over EU integration.

Babiš — a close ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán — has long clashed with the European Union over rule-of-law issues, media freedoms, and migration policies. His return to power is seen as part of a broader populist resurgence across Central and Eastern Europe.

Like Orbán, the incoming prime minister has also faced tensions with Brussels over investigations into his business empire, including conflict-of-interest allegations linked to his Agrofert conglomerate, which he denies.

NOMINEE UNDER SCRUTINY

Controversy erupted over the coalition’s choice for foreign minister, Filip Turek, 40, a member of the Motorists for Themselves party and a former racing driver. Czech media have uncovered a series of racist, sexist, and homophobic social-media posts attributed to Turek, which he later deleted.

He has also faced accusations of abusive behavior from a former partner and an investigation into a photo allegedly showing him making a Nazi salute — charges he denies, claiming they are part of a “politically motivated smear campaign.”

Czech police confirmed they are reviewing the allegations, while opposition parties and civic groups have urged President Petr Pavel not to approve Turek’s appointment.

President Petr Pavel said Monday that he would “not jump to premature conclusions” but would ensure that any ministerial nominations meet ethical and legal standards before signing them.

Outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala of the Civic Democrats conceded defeat, saying his centrist coalition would move into opposition but warning that “the Czech Republic must remain a democracy committed to European values.”

FOREIGN POLICY SHIFT

If confirmed, the new coalition is expected to adopt a more nationalist and EU-skeptical agenda, with potential implications for Czech support to Ukraine and its alignment with EU sanctions against Russia.

Analysts in Prague and Brussels warn that the coalition could deepen divisions within the European Union, aligning the Czech Republic more closely with Hungary and Slovakia, whose leaders have similarly challenged EU institutions.

Thousands of Czechs protested outside the parliament over the weekend, chanting “No racists in government!” and “Protect our democracy!”

Civic groups have announced plans for further demonstrations if Turek’s appointment is confirmed.

Despite the growing unrest, Babiš defended his choice, saying his coalition “represents the real people of this country, not the Brussels elite,” and vowed to focus on “security, energy independence, and sovereignty.”

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