Andrej Babiš's ANO movement leads Czech elections with 36-41% of votes

With initial vote counts from the ongoing Czech parliamentary elections, populist billionaire Andrej Babiš"s ANO movement is leading with 36-41% of the votes after the first hour of tallying. The party is performing strongly in rural and industrial regions, while trailing only in the capital, Prague.

Babiš, who describes himself as a "Trumpist" and is a vocal critic of aid to Ukraine and EU policies, is seeking a potential return to power amid growing voter frustration over inflation and energy costs.

The ruling SPOLU coalition is currently lagging behind with 16-19% of the votes, while the far-right SPD is receiving 8-11%. Other parties are fragmented, each garnering below 13%. Final results are expected later today, and coalition talks are anticipated as Babiš has ruled out forming pacts with current partners.

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