ANO (Akce nespokojených občanů) (Action of Dissatisfied Citizens)

Foto: Filip Jandourek
Seats in Parliament: ANO currently holds X seats in the 200-member Chamber of Deputies and is in opposition.
General Politics: ANO 2011 was founded in 2011 by businessman Andrej Babiš as an anti-establishment movement with a focus on business-like governance and political reform. Initially branding itself as centrist, it has since evolved into a dominant populist party in Czech politics.
Political Position: ANO is generally classified as center-right to centrist with a populist approach. The party prioritizes pragmatic governance and adjusts policies based on public sentiment rather than adhering strictly to a fixed ideology.
Voters: ANO attracts a broad voter base, including older citizens, rural voters, and individuals dissatisfied with traditional political elites. Its supporters often see it as a viable alternative to establishment parties, appreciating its focus on economic growth and state efficiency.
Policies: The party emphasizes economic stability, infrastructure development, and government efficiency. Key priorities include reducing bureaucracy, increasing pensions, tax cuts, and investing in healthcare and transportation. ANO has also adopted a moderately skeptical stance on European Union policies, particularly regarding migration and energy.
Perception on Corruption: ANO initially gained support with a strong anti-corruption platform, pledging to clean up Czech politics. However, its leader, Andrej Babiš, has faced multiple corruption allegations, including conflicts of interest and the misuse of EU funds. This has led critics to accuse the party of contradicting its original principles.
In Government: ANO was part of the government from 2014 to 2021. It first governed in coalition (2014–2017) before winning the 2017 election and leading a minority government under Babiš from 2017 to 2021. During its tenure, ANO implemented popular economic measures, such as pension increases and tax cuts. However, its government was also marred by controversies surrounding Babiš’s business interests and corruption allegations.
Recent Developments: After losing power in the 2021 elections, ANO became the main opposition party. Babiš ran for president in 2023 but lost in the second round to Petr Pavel. ANO continues to be a strong political force and is a leading contender in future elections.