EditCzech politics is on fire: far-right Speaker’s attack on Ukraine exposes cracks in Babiš government
Czechia, one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters under the previous cabinet, continues its pivot toward isolationism with implications for EU unity
Tomio Okamura, the controversial leader of the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and newly elected Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, used his New Year’s address to launch a blistering attack on Ukraine.
He called President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government a “thieves’ junta” building “golden toilets,” dismissed the war as “senseless,” and warned against Western leaders dragging Europe toward World War III—all while praising the new coalition as “pragmatic” and focused on Czech citizens over foreign aid.
The backlash was swift and fierce. Ukraine’s ambassador called it “unworthy and unacceptable,” influenced by Russian propaganda. Opposition parties – from the center-right ODS to the Pirates and Mayors (STAN) – united to collect signatures for a no-confidence vote to remove Okamura as Speaker, labelling his words “Russian hatred” and a “disgrace” to the nation. President Petr Pavel signalled discomfort, planning to raise it with Prime Minister Babiš.
Why this isn’t just another controversy
This scandal hits different because it exposes the fragile fault lines in Babiš’s freshly formed government. After ANO’s election win in October 2025, Babiš needed SPD (far-right, Eurosceptic) and the anti-Green “Motorists for Themselves” party to secure a slim majority. In exchange, Okamura got the powerful Speaker role – one of the top constitutional positions – and his party gained influence over ministries like Defence.
Okamura wasted no time flexing: in November 2025, he ordered the Ukrainian flag removed from parliament (prompting opposition MPs to hang their own in protest). Now, his speech tests how far Babiš will tolerate SPD’s hard-line anti-Ukraine stance. Babiš himself has already distanced Czechia from further direct budget aid to Kyiv, saying the country “can no longer give money” and emphasizing peace over escalation. But with a confidence vote looming in mid-January and EU debates on Ukraine funding heating up, this could force Babiš to choose: rein in his coalition partner or risk alienating pro-Western allies and deepening divisions at home.
Who Is Tomio Okamura, and why does his role matter?
Okamura, of Czech-Japanese-Korean descent, rose from business and reality TV to far-right politics, founding SPD on anti-immigration, anti-EU, and direct democracy platforms. Often compared to figures like Marine Le Pen, he’s faced accusations of hate speech but built a loyal base with populist rhetoric.
As Speaker in a coalition reliant on his party’s votes, Okamura isn’t a sidelined figurehead—he’s a kingmaker whose provocations could shape Czech foreign policy at a pivotal moment for Europe.
This isn’t everyday bickering. It’s a litmus test for whether Czechia – one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters under the previous government – continues its pivot toward isolationism under Babiš, with real implications for EU unity, NATO commitments, and the war’s trajectory. As the resignation motion gathers steam, the outcome could redefine Prague’s place in a divided Europe.
Czech President appoints populist billionaire Andrej Babiš as PM amid eurosceptic surge
Edited by g.g.
Caption: ANO (YES) movement’s chairman Andrej Babis (R) talks to media after signing a new coalition government agreement with Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party’s chairman Tomio Okamura (L) and Motorists party’s member Filip Turek (C) in Prague, Czech Republic, 3 November 2025. EPA/MARTIN DIVISEK
Updated: January 3, 2026 - 09:12
