On September 1, 2025, a campaign rally in the usually quiet town of Dobrá, in the eastern Czech Republic, erupted into chaos when former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš was violently attacked by a man wielding a metal crutch. The incident, which occurred just weeks before the country’s crucial parliamentary elections, has sent shockwaves through Czech politics and reignited fierce debate about the tone and tenor of public discourse in the nation.
According to multiple sources, including the Associated Press and Politico, Babiš—now the leader of the opposition and head of the centrist-populist ANO movement—was struck several times in the head and back during the rally. Police responded immediately, arresting the attacker on the spot. The incident is being investigated as either hooliganism or disorderly conduct, and authorities have not ruled out more serious charges as the investigation continues.
Babiš was quickly transported to a hospital in the nearby town of Frýdek-Místek. Medical staff performed a CT scan and other tests before discharging him later that day. However, doctors advised rest, forcing Babiš to cancel at least one campaign event scheduled for the following day in the Olomouc region. In a message to his supporters posted on social media, Babiš expressed gratitude for their concern: “Thank you all for your support, I hope I’ll be fine. Tomorrow I’ll still be waiting for further evaluation of the test results, but the doctors have recommended rest, so unfortunately I’ll have to cancel at least tomorrow’s program in the Olomouc region. I sincerely apologize to everyone who wanted to meet me.”
The attack has drawn swift and widespread condemnation from across the Czech political spectrum. Prime Minister Petr Fiala was unequivocal in his response, stating, “Violence doesn’t belong in politics.” He added, “I truly call on everyone: let’s listen to one another, let’s talk together, let’s look for the right solution. But let’s put violence and aggression aside. A society that acts this way is a dangerous one.” Interior Minister Vít Rakušan joined the chorus, labeling the attack “unacceptable.”
But the fallout didn’t stop there. The ANO party, currently in opposition but leading in the polls ahead of the October 3-4 elections, pointed fingers at the ruling coalition. Alena Schillerová, ANO’s vice chair, did not mince words, blaming the government for what she described as a toxic political climate: “The hatred spread by government parties on billboards and social networks has today culminated in an attack on Andrej Babiš. It is a direct consequence of their campaign based on fear and division.”
International voices quickly joined in. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a longtime ally of Babiš and a vocal critic of the European Union’s mainstream policies, offered both solidarity and a pointed critique of the Czech political environment. “After Slovakia, violence has seeped into Czech politics as well. No wonder. His political adversaries have demonised @AndrejBabis for years. This is the result. But they will not stop him. He will go on and win the elections! Get well soon, my friend!” Orbán wrote on X (formerly Twitter), referencing last year’s attempted assassination of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini also expressed support, declaring, “Attacks, insults, now even violence. They will not stop us. We are with you.”
Babiš, who served as Czech prime minister from 2017 to 2021, is no stranger to controversy or the political spotlight. After losing his re-election bid in 2021, he ran for the presidency in January 2023 but was defeated by Petr Pavel, a retired general. Despite these setbacks, Babiš and his ANO party have maintained a strong following. Recent opinion polls cited by Politico and other outlets show ANO leading with 31% support, comfortably ahead of the ruling Spolu (Together) coalition, which trails at 21%.
The attack on Babiš comes at a time of heightened political tension in the Czech Republic. With parliamentary elections just over a month away, the stakes could hardly be higher. The campaign has been marked by sharp rhetoric and deep divisions over issues ranging from military aid to Ukraine and the European Union’s Green Deal to migration quotas. According to Politico, there is a notable rise in anti-establishment sentiment, with parties opposed to Brussels’ policies—particularly those concerning the EU’s climate initiatives and migration—gaining traction.
Some observers see the violence as symptomatic of a broader trend in Central European politics. The reference to the 2024 shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico looms large, serving as a chilling reminder of how quickly political disagreements can escalate into physical danger. For many, the attack on Babiš is not just an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of political aggression that has been intensifying across the region.
Yet, even as the condemnation poured in, the incident exposed the deep fissures within Czech society. While government officials and opposition figures alike denounced the violence, they offered sharply different diagnoses of its root causes. The ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Fiala, has called for unity and civility, urging citizens to reject aggression and seek common ground. Meanwhile, Babiš’s allies insist that the government’s own tactics—what they describe as a campaign of fear and division—are at least partly to blame for the toxic atmosphere.
The police, for their part, have moved quickly to assure the public that the incident is being taken seriously. The attacker, whose identity has not been publicly released, faces charges of either hooliganism or disorderly conduct. Authorities have not indicated whether the attack was politically motivated or the result of personal animosity, but the optics are clear: violence has entered the heart of Czech political life at a critical moment.
Despite the trauma and disruption, Babiš has vowed to continue his campaign, albeit with some adjustments to his schedule. His determination, echoed by Orbán and Salvini, is likely to further galvanize his base. At the same time, the attack has become a rallying point for calls for greater civility and restraint in public discourse, with many hoping that the upcoming elections can proceed without further incident.
As the Czech Republic heads toward its October elections, the shadow of violence now hangs over the campaign. Whether this will lead to soul-searching and a shift toward more respectful debate—or simply deepen existing divides—remains to be seen. For now, the nation watches, waits, and wonders what comes next.