Czech election 2025: Where parties stand on 6 issues that could reshape daily life

Czechs head to the polls Oct. 3–4 in the most consequential election in years. For expats, the outcome could shape daily life in tangible ways. From visas and housing affordability to the cost of groceries and the language your children learn at school, party pledges may affect foreigners as much as locals.

The race is led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s center-right Spolu (Together) coalition and former premier Andrej Babiš’s populist ANO movement. Smaller players, including the liberal Mayors and Independents (STAN) and the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), could hold the balance of power in a post-election coalition.

Here’s what the main contenders are promising, how realistic those pledges are, and what they could mean for you.

An Ipsos survey released Sept. 29 shows ANO leading with 32 percent of the vote, ahead of Spolu at 21 percent. Both may need coalition partners to reach a majority in the 200-seat Chamber of Deputies. Next are STAN (11 percent) and SPD (10 percent). Spolu has ruled out partnering with ANO or SPD, while ANO has offered no clear coalition stance.

The current situation: Residence permits vary in speed and process. Ukrainian refugees benefit from special arrangements, while the current government resists EU asylum rules for Middle Eastern and African migrants.

Reality check: Immigration rules are complex, involving both Czech and EU law, but the government controls visa issuance.

Impact on expats: STAN’s start-up visas could benefit foreign entrepreneurs; SPD and ANO would tighten permits, while Spolu would largely maintain current rules.

The current situation: Czechia continues to grapple with women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, from workplace equality and protections against violence to marriage and adoption laws. Abortion is allowed up to 12 weeks and in later medical cases, while same-sex couples still face limits on marriage and adoption. The gender pay gap remains high at around 16 percent, and the Istanbul Convention is signed but not ratified.

Reality check: Abortion law, pay transparency, LGBTQ+ rights, and treaty ratification are under national control. While EU standards push equality forward, much depends on domestic political will.

Impact for expats: Practical changes could be seen if the Istanbul Convention were ratified (strengthening protections against gender-based violence), pay gaps were reduced, or LGBTQ+ rights were expanded. STAN offers the broadest reforms, while SPD would restrict rights and protections.

The current situation: Housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable. In Prague, rents consume about 40 percent of median salary; construction permits take 18+ months, making it almost impossible to meet demand.  

Reality check: Housing reform depends on long-term structural changes—land policy, zoning, permits. Governments can influence via subsidies and incentives but cannot solve the affordability crisis alone.

Impact for expats: SPD and ANO promise direct support for affordability; SPD wants to limit the amount of non-resident foreigners buying up real estate in Czechia, STAN focuses on municipal solutions; Spolu emphasizes broader infrastructure.

The current situation: Inflation and rising energy costs continue to put pressure on household budgets across Czechia. Expenses for electricity, heating, transportation, and housing are climbing, affecting both everyday spending and long-term financial planning for families, renters, and property owners alike.

Reality check: Governments have limited power over costs, which are driven by global markets and energy supply. Regulatory tools exist but broader relief depends on long-term policy.

Impact for expats: SPD and ANO’s measures could provide short-term relief. STAN’s approach may make future price changes easier to anticipate, helping with budgeting. Spolu’s low-tax focus could support overall income, but won’t directly reduce daily living costs.

The current situation: Curriculum content, inclusion, language instruction, teacher pay, and rural school investment remain contested.

Reality check: Education reform is complex, requiring long-term funding, updated curricula, teacher training, and legal changes. Still, the government has near-complete control over education policy, independent of EU law.

Impact for expats: Spolu and STAN emphasize modernization and digitalization; ANO focuses on teacher pay and language policy; SPD is more restrictive and foreigner-unfriendly.

The current situation: Czechia is a NATO member and EU state, contributing to collective defense and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Military spending, EU coordination, and aid to Ukraine are key priorities. Public opinion generally favors continued alignment with NATO and the EU, though debates over defense budgets and military involvement persist.

Reality check: Defense and foreign policy are partially under national control, but NATO and EU commitments set limits. Governments decide on military spending, support for Ukraine, and cybersecurity, which together shape national security, border safety, and daily-life stability.

Impact for expats: Party policies influence Czech security, EU relations, and regional cooperation. Pro-NATO/EU parties (Spolu, STAN) favor continued alignment and preparedness, while SPD may reduce voluntary contributions to foreign missions and EU-led initiatives, which could have indirect effects on regional coordination and defense readiness.

What actually happens will depend on coalition negotiations and the ability of the next government to deliver on these promises.