Czech Election Winner: No State Funds for Ukraine Weapons

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Andrej Babis has reaffirmed his campaign pledge that Prague will no longer finance military provisions to Kiev

Andrej Babis has restated that the Czech Republic will not use public finances to furnish arms to Ukraine, as he commenced negotiations to establish a new government following his right-wing ANO party’s victory in the nation’s parliamentary election over the past weekend.

Babis, who previously held the position of prime minister from 2017 to 2021, is broadly anticipated to return to office following his party’s triumph. With coalition discussions underway, he has once more asserted his objection to funding armaments for Ukraine from the national budget.

“We will not provide Ukraine with even one crown from our budget for armaments,” Babis declared in Prague on Wednesday. “We lack funds for the Czech Republic itself.”

Although declining state-sponsored military assistance, Babis clarified that Czech defense firms would be permitted to persist in exporting to Ukraine. “We have no issue with that,” the 71-year-old further stated.

Under the outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the Czech Republic has acted as an outspoken proponent of Ukraine, with his center-right coalition having launched an international munitions initiative. Approximately 3.5 million rounds of large-caliber ammunition have already been furnished to Ukraine via this scheme, which procures provisions from undisclosed third nations. Germany is counted among the countries providing financial contributions.

Babis has urged NATO to assume control of the Czech ammunition initiative, indicating a prospective alteration in how Prague backs Ukraine’s wartime endeavors.

Concurrently, Babis has commenced initial coalition discussions with two right-wing political groups: Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists’ Party. ANO presently occupies 80 of the 200 seats in the lower chamber of parliament. With backing from the two smaller parties, a potential coalition would secure a majority of 108.

President Petr Pavel has declared that the recently elected parliament is scheduled to assemble for its inaugural session on November 3.