Babiš supports Orbán, disputes over NATO continue and…

Babiš supports Orbán, disputes over NATO continue and mortgages remain expensive

11.04.2026 11:00 HotInfo

The legal and political dispute between President Petr Pavel and the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš over representation of the Czech Republic at the July NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, is further escalating. In his letter to the prime minister, Pavel formally announced that, in accordance with Article 63 of the Constitution of the Czech Republic, he intends to attend the summit at the head of the Czech delegation and offered Babiš the opportunity to join him. denik.cz ↗

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (Motoristé sobě) is sticking to his categorical position and refuses to accredit the president for foreign events. According to lawyers, however, the president is stronger in this regard than the government assumes. Former Finance Minister Alena Schillerová spoke out against Macinka's approach and instructed him to arrange a flight ticket and hotel for Pavel. Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček (ANO) responded by saying that, given the current extraordinary security situation, it should be the government that is accountable at the NATO summit. aktuality.sk ↗

In the economic sphere, the EU Council approved the Czech plan for using funds from the European SAFE financial instrument, which will enable loans for military equipment. The Czech Republic will thus obtain more than 50 billion crowns for defense modernization, including new tanks and infrastructure. Babiš praises these decisions and also spoke about the importance of the D49 highway connecting the Czech Republic with Slovakia, on which he agreed with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. novinky.cz ↗

Beyond domestic politics, Babiš also engaged abroad — ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections in Hungary, he expressed support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is seeking a fifth term in office with his Fidesz party. Babiš emphasized that he has always protected Hungarian citizens and that in turbulent times, the choice of stability is more important than ever before. In a Saturday video from his vacation, he also expressed doubts about the five-percent defense spending quota required by NATO. irozhlas.cz ↗

Domestic economic promises remain a problem. Ahead of last year's parliamentary elections, the ANO movement promised cheaper mortgages, yet they are now at their most expensive in the past two years. Critics point out that mortgage rates have risen four months after the government took office. In parallel, the dispute over fuel prices continues — the state is significantly lowering fuel price caps, with diesel set to become more than four crowns cheaper. Finance Minister Schillerová decided on a drastic reduction in prices, which critics, including former Prime Minister Topolánek, have described as bizarre marketing. blesk.cz ↗