The war in Ukraine is one of the most polarizing topics in the run-up to Czechia’s parliamentary elections on Oct. 3-4, with nearly half of voters saying their country provides too much military support, according to a poll by STEM.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Czech voters have grown weary of the conflict. While 70% still support humanitarian aid, 40% now say the country’s military aid is excessive, according to polling published by Česká Televize.
“I would say that Czechia has to help Ukraine financially, their army and the refugees, but I feel like we helped a lot, and many of them don’t appreciate it,” said Czech AAU student, Julie Ostrčilová.
The parties are responding to the public sentiment in their campaigns for the elections. The ruling coalition SPOLU has defended maintaining support for Ukraine while the opposition party ANO has grown more skeptical. The far-right SPD party rejects sending weapons to Ukraine and supporting its NATO ambitions.
ANO, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, is currently the most popular party, with polls predicting 30% support. Babiš said he backs aid to Ukraine but criticizes the government’s delivery of it. He called the ammunition initiative non-transparent and rejected the plans to raise the defence spending to 3% of the budget, saying he would rather spend the money to solve social issues, according to Seznam Zpravy.
Thousands came to the protest against populist parties like ANO or SDP held at the Old Town Square on Sunday evening. Speakers emphasized supporting Ukraine as both protection from Russia and a way to help refugees. Some demonstrators carried Ukrainian and EU flags, along with banners such as “We don’t want Russia here” or “We protect democracy together.”
“For me, if the party supports Ukraine, it shows that it takes democracy and freedom seriously and isn’t just playing some kind of game in front of voters,” said Czech student Adam Dostál.
For many young voters, domestic issues matter more. Housing, cost of living and national debt are bigger priorities. Only 34% see defence from Russia as a clear priority, according to the poll by STEM. The parties are mostly focusing on the social issues that are closer to the voters.
The outcome of the elections determines not only the domestic politics but also Prague’s place in the European and NATO consensus on Ukraine. The issue remains polarising, reflecting divisions between voters over how much military aid the country should provide.
