The story so far · 4 days, October 9 to 18, 2026
One Turn followed this story across 4 editions, from Prague, Czech Republic on October 9, 2026. Newest first.
Andrej Babiš, a billionaire businessman, leads the populist ANO movement and returned to power as prime minister. The Czech Senate is elected in staggered thirds every two years.
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Opposition parties won 22 of 27 contested Czech Senate seats, keeping control of the upper chamber. It is the first time governing parties failed to win a single seat in a Senate election, with Babiš's ANO coming third.
Why it matters: An opposition-held Senate can act as a check on the populist government's agenda.
Sources: DW, AP · See it on the globe
Voters in the Czech Republic began casting ballots in the second round to fill 22 Senate seats not decided in the first round.
Why it matters: The result will shape the balance of the upper chamber that reviews Czech legislation.
Sources: Romea · See it on the globe
Voting began in the first round for one-third of the Czech Senate, alongside municipal elections. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš hopes his coalition will gain seats.
Why it matters: The result will shape how much the Babiš government can push its agenda through parliament.
Sources: AP · See it on the globe
Voting began in the first round of elections for one-third of the Czech Senate, alongside municipal polls. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is seeking gains for his coalition.
Why it matters: The result will indicate how much legislative leverage Babiš's government holds in the upper chamber.
Sources: AP · See it on the globe