Crucial parliamentary elections will take place on Friday and Saturday in the Czech Republic, having the potential to change the political direction of the country.

Populist billionaire Andrej Babis, who promises salary increases and a reduction in aid for Ukraine, could return to power, while the current center-right coalition led by Petr Fiala faces declining popularity due to inflation. Babis, an ally of Viktor Orban, could complicate the EU consensus on climate and migration issues. Polling stations open on Friday, and results are expected on Saturday.