In event of Harris win, Politico suggests Trump voters move to Czechia

As the U.S. election looms, Czechia emerges as a potential escape for Trump voters given local politics and the former PM Politico terms 'Temu Trump.'

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 03.11.2024 14:17:00 (updated on 04.11.2024) Reading time: 2 minutes

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches on Nov. 5, Vice President Kamala Harris faces off against former President Donald Trump in a particularly divisive battle. Both sides are strongly opposed to each other, with supporters voicing concerns about the country’s future should the opponent win.

What will voters do if their candidate loses? Politico has humorously compiled a list of potential destinations for American political refugees who may want to relocate after the election. Among the options for frustrated Trump voters? The Czech Republic, which has its very own 'Temu Trump,' says the site.

Why Trump voters might like Czechia

Politico notes that the Czech Republic already has its own version of a business tycoon-turned-politician in Andrej Babiš. The former Prime Minister remains one of the most influential forces in Czech politics despite losing the last parliamentary election, and his party ANO has a wide lead in opinion polls ahead of next year's vote.

"If you’re happy to overlook a few key differences — the orange face, for one — Czechia offers its own business tycoon-turned-political firestarter: Andrej Babiš, who’s in the running to return to high office soon," notes Politico.

"Babiš, a big proponent of Republican-style ideas like radical immigration policy and pledges to cut taxes, has even sported a red cap with 'strong Czechia' emblazoned on it, reminiscent of Trump’s iconic Make America Great Again hats. Just call him the 'Temu Trump.'"

Beyond Babiš, the Czech Republic offers some other aspects that might appeal to Republicans, including low unemployment and immigration rates (though, ironically, it's the Trump voters who would be immigrants in this case). Of course, there's also the relatively low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, a vibrant cultural scene, and strategic location in the heart of Europe.

Czechia could also appeal to Trump voters given the former president's ties to the country itself. Donald Trump's first wife Ivana was Czech (hailing from what is now Zlín) and their children Donald Jr., Eric, and Ivanka all have strong Czech roots. Don Jr. even once reminisced about standing in line for bread in communist Czechoslovakia.

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Other destinations for disenfranchised voters

In addition to Czechia, Politico suggests other interesting destinations for voters of both stripes. For Trump supporters seeking a more traditional retreat, the Albanian Riviera offers stunning beaches and a laid-back lifestyle, bolstered by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner's investments in the area.

Politico also recommends Hungary, under populist PM Viktor Orbán, and Germany (for the nostalgia) as potential MAGA relocation destinations.

On the flip side, Politico urges those disillusioned with a potential Trump presidency to consider the sunny Balearic Islands, known for their liberal policies and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

Paris (for the culture and luxury), Amsterdam (for its legalized drugs), and Brussels (for the EU bureaucracy) are also recommended locales for Democrat voters to wait out another Trump presidency. See Politico's full list here for more recommendations.

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