Czech PM Babiš's government wins confidence vote, shifts policies on Ukraine, bu

PRAGUE, Jan 15 — Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's populist right-wing government won a parliamentary confidence vote on Thursday, securing power with an agenda to scale back support for Ukraine, oppose EU environment policies, and pause austerity measures.

The government, formed after October elections, passed the vote with 108 of 200 lawmakers in support.

"This vote confirms our mandate to implement policies that prioritize Czech interests," Babiš said.

The agenda includes reducing military and financial aid to Ukraine, which marks a shift from the previous administration's stance.

It also opposes EU Green Deal regulations and plans to halt budget cuts introduced by the former government.

The confidence vote followed weeks of coalition negotiations between Babiš's ANO party and smaller right-wing groups.

Babiš, a billionaire businessman, previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021.

His return to power comes amid rising populist sentiment in Central Europe over Ukraine and EU policies.

The government now faces challenges in balancing domestic spending with EU commitments.

Further parliamentary votes on specific policy bills are expected in the coming weeks.