PM Kobakhidze congratulates Babiš on Czech election victory, expresses hope for ‘renewed partnership’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his populist ANO movement on their victory in the Czech Republic’s parliamentary elections held on the weekend. 

“Congratulations to Andrej Babis and the ANO movement on their victory in the Czech parliamentary elections. Wishing him success in forming a strong and effective government that advances the progress and prosperity of the Czech people. Georgia looks forward to a renewed chapter of partnership and deeper ties between our nations,” Kobakhidze wrote on X on Monday.

According to preliminary results, Babiš’s ANO movement secured the largest share of votes but fell short of the majority needed to form a government independently. The party is now in coalition talks with several other political groups, including the far-right SPD and the right-wing populist Motorists party.

The centre-right coalition Spolu, led by incumbent Prime Minister Petr Fiala, finished second. Fiala’s current government, which remains in office until a new cabinet is formed, has been sharply critical of the Georgian Dream government’s policies. The Czech Republic has also imposed sanctions on several senior Georgian officials.

Andrej Babiš, a billionaire businessman who previously served as Czech Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021, is seeking to reclaim the post following his party’s latest electoral success. Known for his Eurosceptic stance, Babiš maintains close ties with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico - both leaders who have preserved relations with Moscow despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.