Czech President Petr Pavel on Tuesday appointed Andrej Babiš as the country’s new prime minister in a ceremony broadcast live from Prague, marking the billionaire politician’s return to power following his ANO movement’s victory in the October parliamentary elections.

According to reports by Reuters, AP and Euronews, Babiš has formed a governing coalition with two Eurosceptic parties, securing a parliamentary majority. In its policy declaration, the new government stressed limits on the authority of the European Union, stating that the bloc “has no right to impose decisions that infringe upon the sovereignty of member states.”

The coalition includes the Motorists’ Party and the SPD, both of which are members of the European Patriots group in the European Parliament, a bloc founded alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Analysts say the move signals a shift in Prague’s political direction, aligning it more closely with a Central European conservative axis that also includes Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

During his campaign, Babiš pledged to limit military and financial assistance to Ukraine, a position that contrasts with President Pavel’s more pro-EU and pro-NATO approach. Observers say the differing stances could create a delicate balance within Czech leadership as the new government takes shape.

After his appointment, Babiš said, “I promise all citizens of the Czech Republic that I will defend their interests both at home and abroad.”

Political analysts say the new administration is likely to influence European politics in the coming months, particularly on EU governance, regional alliances, and policies toward Ukraine, as the Czech Republic adjusts its position within a changing Central European geopolitical landscape. (ILKHA)