The likely future prime minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, has reaffirmed his stance on not sending arms money to Ukraine as it fights off Russia’s invasion.
“We will not give Ukraine a single crown from our budget for weapons,” the right-wing populist and billionaire announced in Prague on Wednesday. “We have no money for the Czech Republic.”
The EU and NATO member state continues to use its own currency the crown.
Babiš, previously prime minister 2017-2021, pointed out that Kiev already receives billions in financial aid through the EU. He clarified that Czech arms companies could continue exporting to Ukraine.
“We have no problem with that,” the 71-year-old said.
At the same time, he called on NATO to adopt a Czech ammunitions initiative.
Approximately 3.5 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition have been provided to Ukraine as part of the project, which was a flagship idea of the centre-right coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala, which lost the recent election.
The ammunition comes from unnamed third countries, with Germany among the financial contributors.
Babiš is holding initial talks with two far-right parties, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists’ Party, about forming a future government.
SPD leader Tomio Okamura has already caused outrage by demanding the replacement of the country’s police chief.
This comes after law enforcement authorities requested the lifting of Okamura’s parliamentary immunity over allegations of incitement to hatred in connection with an anti-EU migration poster campaign.
President Petr Pavel has announced that the newly elected lower house of parliament will convene for its first session on November 3.
Babiš’s ANO movement will hold 80 of the 200 seats and, with the support of SPD and the Motorists’ Party, would secure a majority of 108.