Former PM set to win vote, putting aid for war in doubt

Czechs finished voting Saturday in a general election in which the party of self-described “Trumpist” billionaire Andrej Babis is a frontrunner, triggering concerns about Prague’s support for Ukraine and future ties with the European Union.

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A return to power by the ex-premier’s could draw the Czech Republic — an ally of Ukraine — closer to EU mavericks Hungary and Slovakia which have refused military aid to Ukraine and oppose sanctions on Russia.

The election results were expected to be given later Saturday.

Babis, 71, is campaigning on pledges of welfare and halting military aid to Ukraine.

Many voters in turn blame the centre-right coalition government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala for ignoring domestic problems in their country of 11 million people while providing aid to Ukraine.

Babis’s ANO (“Yes”) party topped opinion polls with support exceeding 30 percent, ahead of Fiala’s Together grouping with about 20 percent.

'PAST OR FUTURE'

Describing himself as a “peacemonger” calling for a truce in Ukraine, Babis has vowed a “Czechs first” approach and “a better life for all Czechs” - echoing US President Donald Trump.