Opposition ANO party wins big in Czech regional and Senate elections

This weekend's regional and Senate elections in the Czech Republic saw a significant victory for the opposition ANO party, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. ANO won in ten out of thirteen regions, mirroring its success from the previous election cycle, and significantly increased its representation in regional assemblies.

The elections took place under challenging circumstances, with many areas, particularly in northern Moravia, still recovering from severe flooding. The turnout for the regional elections across the country was reported at 32.9 percent.

ANO also made notable strides in the Senate, securing two seats outright in the first round and positioning itself strongly for next weekend's second round with several candidates advancing. This performance is seen as a testament to ANO’s growing appeal among voters, and sets the stage for the upcoming general elections next year.

ANO won regional elections in ten out of thirteen Czech regions, maintaining its previous position from four years ago. The Civic Democrats (ODS) emerged victorious in South Bohemia, while the SPOLU (Together) coalition—comprised of ODS, TOP 09, and the Christian Democrats—won in South Moravia, and the Mayors for Liberec Region won in their home area.

Despite its victories, ANO currently governs only three regions, as coalition agreements often dictate leadership following the elections. In terms of assembly representation, ANO is set to gain 35 members in the Moravia-Silesia Region and is projected to hold 27 seats in the Karlovy Vary assembly.

In contrast, ODS will likely control South Bohemia with a significant increase in their seats. The remaining regions will require coalition negotiations, reflecting the fragmented political landscape in the Czech Republic.

Across the country, ANO achieved the highest number of mandates, winning 292 regional assembly seats, marking a gain of 114 representatives. The Civic Democrats followed with 106 seats, while the Mayors and Independents secured 73. The Pirates faced a substantial defeat, managing to win only three seats.

In the first round of the Senate elections, ANO won two seats outright, with candidates Jana Mráčková Vildumetzová and Martin Bednář emerging victorious. A total of 19 ANO candidates advanced to the second round, positioning the party to potentially double its representation in the Senate.

The turnout for the first round of Senate elections was 30.5 percent, one of the lowest recorded in recent years. ANO’s success in the regional elections is expected to bolster the prospects of its Senate candidates in the upcoming runoffs.

Speaking to reporters from his party's election headquarters, ANO leader Andrej Babiš attributed ANO's electoral success to the party's intensive work in opposition to the current ruling coalition. Babiš emphasized that the results demonstrate ANO's ability to connect with voters disenchanted by the current five-party coalition government.

"This victory is a clear signal that people want change," Babiš said. "We are happy that we won, especially given the significant increase in votes. Only in government can ANO help the people and return us to the situation in which we handed the government over to the five-party coalition."

International media outlets reacted to ANO's electoral success with notable attention. The Austrian agency APA described it as a "heavy defeat" for the ruling liberal-conservative coalition, which only managed to win in three regions. "The upcoming general election will be a critical test for the government," they write.

"The results reflect stable support for ANO, which won ten regions in 2020 and nine in 2016, and provide encouragement for Babiš ahead of parliamentary elections," says the Associated Press, noting the strong position of Babiš's party, which the outlet labels as populist.

The German agency DPA writes that ANO is part of a far-right grouping at the European level, which also includes Hungary's ruling party Fidesz and Austria's far-right Freedom Party. They also note that voter turnout was low due to the recent flooding, with only one-third of potential voters exercising their rights.