ANO seeks regional reset after municipal and Senate setbacks, Babiš calls for party restart

After a setback in municipal and Senate elections, the Czech party ANO convened its executive committee on Wednesday evening to discuss a strategic “restart.” Premier Andrej Babiš announced the need for renewal, but insiders say the agenda will centre on regional structures rather than replacing top figures such as deputy chairs Karel Havlíček and Alena Schillerová, who also hold ministerial posts. Radim Holiš, head of the Association of Regions of the Czech Republic, noted that the party’s assessment will differ between Senate and local results, stressing that coalition prospects will shape the evaluation.

The most vulnerable regions are Moravskoslezský, Ústecký and Karlovarský, where ANO’s vote share fell sharply, alongside losses in Prague and Liberec. While governors Josef Bělica, Richard Brabec and Petr Kubis retain their seats, they could be scrutinised, especially Bělica, who may lose both his party role and governorship. The party hopes to boost activity and discipline within its regional branches without a wholesale leadership overhaul.