French politician Marine Le Pen, a candidate for President of France, described Andrej Babiš, the head of the Czech government, as an important ally in the European Union on the social network X on 14 October 2026. She attached a photograph from their joint meeting. On the same day Babiš attended in Brussels a meeting of the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament, of which his party ANO is a member.[1][2]
Le Pen wrote that after winning the 2025 parliamentary elections Babiš had again become head of the Czech government and, as a partner of the group, would help to promote the voice of nations and change the direction of European politics for the benefit of citizens.[1][2]
Other meetings and remarks on Ukraine
Le Pen also published photographs from meetings with Tom Van Grieken of the Belgian Vlaams Belang, with Viktor Orbán, the chairman of the Hungarian Fidesz, and with Santiago Abascal, the leader of the Spanish party Vox. She wished Abascal success in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Spain.[1][2]
At the group's meeting, Le Pen stated that France can no longer finance Ukraine, adding that the country is in a very dangerous situation because of its high deficit and weak growth. In her view, the role of France should be taken over by other member states that are in a better financial position.[1][2]
According to polls, Le Pen is the favourite in the first round of the presidential election, which is scheduled for 18 April 2027. The Patriots for Europe group has 85 members in the European Parliament and is the third largest. Besides the National Rally, Fidesz, Vox, Vlaams Belang and ANO, it includes the Italian Lega, the Dutch Party for Freedom, the Austrian FPÖ and the Portuguese Chega.[1][2]
Related articles: Government of the Czech Republic
Chronology
- — French politician Marine Le Pen described Andrej Babiš as an important ally in the European Union. ČTK / České noviny iDNES.cz
Sources
- ČTK / České noviny — 14 October 2026
- iDNES.cz — 14 October 2026