Prime Minister Petr Fiala of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and opposition leader Andrej Babiš of the ANO movement confronted each other for the last time before the upcoming elections in a heated debate on TV Nova on Wednesday evening.
The discussion ranged from the economy to highway construction, taxes, energy, and housing, with both men repeatedly accusing one another of lies.
Despite their clashes, they shared two rare points of agreement: Neither would allow the introduction of EU-mandated household emission allowances, and both identified Russia’s aggression as the greatest security threat to the Czech Republic.
As reported by Echo24, Fiala defended his government’s handling of recent crises, saying the economy was growing faster than the eurozone. Babiš countered that the government had failed to manage energy prices, the EU migration pact, and public finances.
On debt and spending, Babiš accused Fiala of letting state debt balloon by 1.2 trillion crowns (€49 billion). Fiala responded by highlighting contributions from Ukrainian workers and successful integration policies.
Highway construction became another flashpoint. Fiala boasted of 200 kilometers built under his government compared to just 100 under former prime minister Babiš, but Babiš dismissed the claim as false, insisting that his administration had left behind 300 kilometers ready for construction or already underway.
Fiala admitted reluctantly raising taxes but promised no further changes, and pledged to oppose the EU’s ETS 2 emission allowances for households. “I would prefer to cancel it, my government will not implement it,” he said, calling the measure unwise. Babiš dismissed his words as “PR,” insisting he had the backing of 19 EU states to push for caps and had not done so.
Energy security also divided the leaders: Babiš vowed never to let the country become an importer of electricity, while Fiala shot back that Babiš misunderstood how energy trading worked.
On housing, Fiala cited reforms to the Building Act and state land transfers, including 120,000 square meters in Prague’s Letňany, while Babiš argued that his rival’s government had “destroyed” housing availability and promised a stronger focus on rental properties.
The only real consensus came on national security. Both men named Russia’s aggression as the greatest threat, though Babiš added illegal migration and blackouts. He then pivoted to his campaign line: “The biggest threat to the Czech Republic is the government of Petr Fiala.”
The exchanges also turned personal. Fiala criticized Babiš for refusing to look him in the eye when accusing him of lying, while Babiš claimed he was simply talking to the moderator.
In closing, the candidates were asked what they valued in each other. After hesitation, Babiš acknowledged Fiala’s speaking skills and background as a teacher. Fiala, in turn, praised Babiš’ “perseverance” and willingness to keep fighting politically.
Czechs head to the polls this weekend for parliamentary elections that are likely to result in Babiš’ ANO movement being returned as the largest party. Whether the former prime minister can garner enough support to rule outright, or whether he will need the support of other minor parties in a coalition, remains to be seen.
