Czech opposition parties filed a no-confidence motion against Andrej Babiš’s government, with debate due Tuesday, about two weeks before Oct. 9-10 local and Senate elections. Ousting it would require 101 of parliament’s 200 votes.
The conservative and liberal opposition accused Babiš’s government of attacking the judiciary, media and NGOs and driving up national debt. Babiš said he was unconcerned and that the coalition was united; he said he would use the debate to expose what he called the opposition’s “lies.”
The coalition comprises Babiš’s ANO party, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and Motorists for Themselves. The elections are seen as its first mood test since it took office in early December. Senate seats are also to be filled in a third of constituencies; the upper house has a say in legislation and can block constitutional amendments.
