World News for Students of English

10-10-2025 07:00

Andrej Babiš, a billionaire businessman and former Czech prime minister, has led his political movement ANO (meaning “Yes”) to victory in the Czech parliamentary elections, winning 34.6% of the vote.

His success ends the rule of Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s pro-Western coalition, which received 23.3%.

To form a new government, Babiš will need to cooperate with another party, possibly the Freedom and Direct Democracy group or the Motorists for Themselves party. Known for his critical stance toward the European Union, Babiš has joined Hungarian and Slovak leaders in opposing EU sanctions on Russia and limiting military aid to Ukraine. He has also expressed doubts about increasing defence spending under NATO commitments.

Babiš’s campaign focused on domestic concerns such as cheaper energy, higher pensions, and prioritising Czech interests over foreign affairs. His victory signals a shift in Czech politics toward more nationalist and Eurosceptic policies.

Difficult words: prioritise (to decide what is most important and do that first), signal (to show or give a sign that something is happening), shift (a change in direction or attitude).

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