Czech voters head to the polls on Friday and Saturday in an election that could oust Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s centre-right Spolu coalition. The Czech Republic has faced one of Europe’s sharpest declines in real incomes following pandemic-related inflation and the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Fiala’s government prioritized deficit reduction, many voters remain dissatisfied with the slow recovery, fueling Babis’ populist appeal. Under Fiala, the Czech Republic donated tanks, vehicles, and spearheaded the “Czech initiative” to secure artillery for Ukraine. However, Babis insists he will not pursue an exit from either alliance, rejecting accusations of undermining Czech democracy.