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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Jon Henley in Prague

East or west? Czechs split over where possible return of ‘Trumpist’ could lead

Head and shoulders shot of Babiš with map behind holding cap, smiling
Self-styled Trumpist Andrej Babiš holds a red cap up with the slogan Silné Česko (Strong Czechia) written on it during an interview in July. Photograph: David W Černý/Reuters

He is a no-nonsense workaholic with famously unpolished manners; a billionaire, ex-communist former prime minister who calls himself “Trumpist”, admires Viktor Orbán, and has spent his political career fighting conflict of interest claims.

After four years in opposition, 71-year-old Andrej Babiš, the Czech Republic’s seventh richest man with a net worth estimated by Forbes at $3.9bn (£2.9bn), is eyeing a triumphant comeback, his party 10 points clear in the polls, its prospective vote share topping 30%.

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