Babiš praises Orbán, signals new direction for Central Europe

The declaration underscores a shift: Babiš, whose ANO party has surged in the polls, is signaling that his projected government will lean toward a cooperation of sovereigntist, culturally conservative regimes in Central Europe — rejecting the old centrist, Brussels-aligned consensus.

From Prague to Budapest: a new axis?

Babiš’s statement comes at a moment of realignment. After the Czech parliamentary elections in early October 2025, his party emerged as the winner and entered coalition talks with right-wing and Eurosceptic partners.

By praising Orbán — one of the most outspoken critics of EU overreach and open-border migration — Babiš is making a declaration of political intent. He is signaling to voters and foreign observers that the Czech Republic under his leadership would pivot away from technocratic liberalism toward a new alignment centered on national sovereignty, cultural identity, and pushback against supranational power.

What it means for Czech and European politics

• Solidarity between East and Central Europe: Babiš’s praise for Orbán suggests a building of alliances among states resisting federalist pressures from Brussels.
• Policy implications: Expect Czech government proposals to mirror policies favored by Hungary — stricter border control, resistance to EU migration mandates, and assertive defense of national culture.
• Signal to elites: By naming Orbán as a model and aligning with Trump’s framing, Babiš is positioning himself as a disruptor, one who will challenge the status quo rather than follow it.

Babiš’s tweet is more than a compliment — it is a political roadmap. As coalition talks continue, his alignment with Orbán may foretell a Czech government that aims to become a leading voice in the emerging Central European conservative resurgence.