Andrej Babiš’s ANO Party Proposes Nationwide Referendums Ahead of Czech Elections
PRAGUE – Andrej Babiš’s ANO party, leading polls ahead of next month’s Czech elections, has sparked alarm with a plan to enshrine nationwide referendums, raising fears it could aid anti-EU forces. Reports 24brussels.
Presenting its election programme on Thursday, ANO, led by billionaire businessman Babiš and a member of Patriots for Europe, pledged to pass a law allowing nationwide referendums on “key issues.”
“Citizens will be empowered to directly decide on key public issues and control democracy itself,” the party asserted, while maintaining that Czech membership in the EU and NATO remains “undisputed.” The party also pledged to challenge the EU’s Green Deal and migration pact, labeling them as threats to the Czech economy and security.
Despite Babiš’s claims that he does not foresee referendums concerning EU or NATO membership, the mention of a general referendum has unsettled political rivals.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala of the center-right Spolu coalition cautioned that ANO’s proposal could associate the party with the far-right SPD and communist Stačilo! parties, both of which openly question Czech EU membership. “Not surprising, but dangerous,” Fiala wrote on X.
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský echoed these concerns, urging voters to be wary of an ANO-led alliance that may jeopardize the country’s European and NATO commitments.
“Constitutionally anchoring a referendum? Yes – that’s exactly what Babiš’s movement presented today. But this unwise plan opens doors to SPD’s and Stačilo!’s proposals to leave the EU and NATO. Let us not believe people who say a government of ANO, SPD, and possibly the communists will be all right. It won’t,” Lipavský posted on X.
Currently, ANO leads in polls at around 31%. However, this figure falls short for a one-party government, indicating that coalition partners will be essential for Babiš to secure power.
