Billionaire populist eyes power in Czech vote but may need help from extremes

Andrej Babis, a billionaire populist, is eyeing power in the upcoming Czech election. Babis, who has been inspired by the MAGA movement in the US, is leading in the polls, but may need to form a coalition with ultra-nationalist parties to secure a majority. Babis, a former prime minister, has built his campaign on anti-establishment rhetoric, criticizing the political elite and promising to shake up the system. He has also taken a hardline stance on immigration and has been accused of authoritarian tendencies. However, Babis may need to partner with extremist parties to form a government, as he is unlikely to win a majority on his own. This could potentially lead to a shift towards more nationalist and Eurosceptic policies in the Czech Republic. The upcoming election is seen as a crucial test for the country's democratic institutions, as the potential rise of Babis and his populist allies could have far-reaching consequences for the region.