Andrej Babiš, leader of the opposition ANO movement and frontrunner in the Czech Republic’s October parliamentary elections, was physically attacked on Monday during a pre-election rally in Dobrá in the Frýdek-Místek region.
According to witnesses, a man aged around 50 to 60 struck Babiš repeatedly on the head and back with a crutch before being restrained by security and detained by police.
Echo24 reported that Babiš was taken to Frýdek-Místek hospital for examination. His spokesman, Martin Vodička, confirmed that he was hit from behind with a metal object. Late in the evening, Babiš addressed supporters on social media: “I thank everyone for their support, I hope I will be fine. Doctors have recommended that I take it easy, so unfortunately, I will have to cancel at least tomorrow’s program in the Olomouc region.”
Police said they are investigating the case as disorderly conduct, though more serious charges are possible. One woman was also treated for injuries at the scene.
The incident was condemned across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said at his own rally, “I condemn today’s attack on Andrej Babiš. Violence has no place in politics! Let’s put violence and aggression away. This is a dangerous society that acts this way.”
Odsuzuji dnešní útok na Andreje Babiše.
Násilí do politiky v žádném případě nepatří! pic.twitter.com/3AnTZq4Cxl
— Petr Fiala (@P_Fiala) September 1, 2025Interior Minister Vít Rakušan echoed that sentiment, stating that violence “in any form is unacceptable and will not solve anything.”
Members of the ANO opposition, however, blamed the governing parties for creating a climate of hostility. Deputy Speaker Karel Havlíček called it “a consequence of inciting hatred and fear,” while ANO parliamentary group leader Alena Schillerová pointed to coalition billboards and messaging, saying it was “a direct consequence” of divisive campaigning.
“The ANO movement will continue to campaign positively, without labeling or intimidation, and we call on everyone to do the same,” she added.
Ten útok je jedním z důsledků nenávistné kampaně, kterou vede koalice Spolu a Piráti a v posledních dnech opět STAN. Teď to skončilo úderem do hlavy, příště to může být horší. Kampaň založili na vyvolávání strachu a nenávisti. Varovali jsme, že to může skončit podobně a stalo se.
— Karel Havlíček (@KarelHavlicek_) September 1, 2025Babiš, who previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, remains the dominant force in Czech politics. According to Politico’s Poll of Polls, ANO is currently projected at 32 percent, well ahead of the governing SPOLU coalition of ODS, TOP 09, and KDU-ČSL at 21 percent. The right-wing populist SPD and its smaller nationalist allies hold 12 percent, followed by the centrist-liberal STAN on 11 percent and the Pirates at 9 percent.
With just over a month to go before the October 3–4 election, Babiš has built his campaign around prioritizing domestic needs over international commitments. He has vowed to block Czech participation in the EU-led purchase of ammunition for Ukraine and rejected NATO’s proposed increase in defense spending, insisting that funds should instead go toward pensions, healthcare, housing, and cost-of-living support.
