New Czech Government Cabinet Formed
Prague, Czech Republic – A new governing coalition comprising the ANO movement, the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, and the Motorists for Themselves party has officially announced its 16-member cabinet. The announcement, made on October 11, 2025, follows the parliamentary elections held on October 3-4, 2025, which saw Andrej Babiš's ANO emerge as the leading party. The coalition is set to assume office on November 3, 2025, pending parliamentary approval.
Election Results Pave Way for Coalition
The parliamentary elections, held earlier this month, resulted in a significant shift in the Czech political landscape. The ANO party, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, secured 34.5% of the vote, translating to 81 seats in the 200-member Chamber of Deputies. To form a majority government, ANO entered into negotiations with the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), which gained 18 seats, and the populist Motorists for Themselves party, which secured 16 seats. Together, the three parties command a majority of 115 seats in parliament. President Petr Pavel has initiated consultations for the government's formation, emphasizing a pro-Western direction for the country.
Cabinet Composition and Ministerial Assignments
The newly announced cabinet will consist of 16 ministers, with portfolios distributed among the coalition partners as follows:
- ANO will hold nine ministries, including the crucial position of Prime Minister, expected to be filled by Andrej Babiš. Other ministries under ANO's purview include Finance, Industry, Health, Labour, Education, Interior, Regional Development, and Justice.
- The Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party will oversee three ministries: Defense, Agriculture, and Transport. Additionally, SPD will nominate the next Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies.
- The Motorists for Themselves party has been allocated four ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Culture, Environment, and a newly established Ministry of Sport, Prevention and Health.
The allocation of the Environment Ministry to the Motorists, a party known for its focus on motorists' interests and opposition to the combustion engine phase-out, has drawn attention.
Political Stances and Future Outlook
The coalition brings together parties with distinct, yet often aligned, political platforms. ANO, a right-wing populist party, campaigned on pledges of faster economic growth, higher wages, and lower taxes, while also expressing opposition to the EU's migration pact and green deal. The SPD, led by Tomio Okamura, is characterized by its far-right, anti-immigration, and Eurosceptic stance. The Motorists for Themselves, led by Petr Macinka, advocate for drivers' rights, oppose anti-environmental policies, and are generally Eurosceptic, though they have distanced themselves from calls for a 'Czexit'. The formation of this government marks a significant shift in the Czech Republic's political direction, with discussions on policy priorities expected to continue in the coming weeks.
5 Comments
Africa
A clear mandate from the people. It's time to deliver on promises for faster growth and lower taxes.
ZmeeLove
It's understandable that some voters desire a more nationalistic approach to governance. Yet, the appointment of the Motorists to the Environment Ministry signals a potential disregard for critical climate action and international obligations.
Habibi
This coalition means stability and a government that won't be pushed around by Brussels.
Comandante
Motorists running Environment? It's an environmental catastrophe waiting to happen, completely irresponsible!
Donatello
The new government offers a clear majority, which can lead to more decisive policy-making. However, the shift away from a strong pro-Western emphasis could make the Czech Republic more vulnerable to external geopolitical pressures.