Here’s what they say – we shall see!
The Czech Republic, long considered one of Europe’s most progressive countries on cannabis and wider drug reform, is entering a period of political transition following its parliamentary election earlier this month.
While the result introduces new variables for reform efforts, industry observers suggest existing legislative progress, including decriminalisation measures due to take effect in January, is unlikely to be reversed.
Babiš, who previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, is now seeking to form a government supported by right-leaning parties that traditionally take a more conservative stance on drug policy.
Yet, according to figures within the Czech cannabis sector, his track record of backing key decriminalisation measures and interest in the medical cannabis market may help sustain a degree of continuity in the country’s approach.
The ‘Czech Trump’
The parallels between Babiš and the US President run deeper than catchy headlines. He is running for the second time after blitzing his way into power in 2017 with a campaign promising to root out corruption (drain the swamp) and run the country like a business, having taken control of key media outlets.
He exerts near total control of the widely anti-establishment ANO (Action of Dissatisfied Citizens) movement, with loyalty to taking priority over almost anything else.
During his premiership from 2017 to 2021, Babiš cultivated an image as a pragmatic problem-solver but faced persistent accusations of conflict of interest due to his continuing ties to Agrofert, the conglomerate he built after the fall of the soviet union that has made him a billionaire.
The EU and Czech courts have investigated whether he misused European subsidies through a company project known as Stork’s Nest. Although he was acquitted in 2022, a High Court reopened the case in June 2025, leaving him once again under scrutiny.
“Predicting outcomes now is impossible,” Dr Tomas Ryska, Managing Director of Astrasana Czech, and member of influential cannabis lobby group Rational Regulation (RARE) told Business of Cannabis.
“Some say Babiš is pursuing all this partly to avoid prosecution, which could influence how he negotiates coalition agreements. His personal interests may shape political decisions, which makes things unpredictable.”
Now, following the election on October 3-4, ANO secured around 35% of the vote, well above the current Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s centre-right coalition Spolu (Together), which followed with about 23%.
Despite its decisive lead, ANO did not secure enough seats to form a majority in the 200-seat lower house, and is in talks to form a single-party minority government backed by other right-wing outfits, the SPD and Motorists for Themselves.
