Economics, taxes and inflation as the main battlefield of the elections
The key theme of the duel was the economy. Both leaders realize that the state of public finances, inflation and the increase in living costs will decide on the outcome of the elections.
Prime Minister Fiala defended the steps of his reign and stressed that he managed to stabilize public finances and stop the sharp rise in prices. “Inflation has grown for you, it is falling for us. The fire you set fire is now extinguishing,” he said with a clear message to the previous Babiš Cabinet.
Fiala rejected unrealistic tax promises and said, “My idea is that we will not increase taxes, but not to promise space cuts. We need to invest in transport or education.”
Andrej Babiš built his argument on the fact that it can immediately bring noticeable relief to citizens. “We want to reduce VAT, for example, to soft drinks. Everyone knows where I live and that I will never betray my voters,” he said. He also added that only he was able to create tens of thousands of jobs as an entrepreneur: “I am the only economist in the Czech Republic who gave work to 40,000 families.”
Green Deal, emission allowances and dispute over Brussels
Another key point was Green Deal (Green Agreement) and European Climate Policy.
Fiala accused Babiš that it was he who supported the agreement in Brussels, which now means difficulties for Czech households and industry. “Today we are just extinguishing the fire of the barn that you lit,” he told his rival.
Babiš accumulates that his government would clearly reject emission allowances of the second generation. “Green Deal is about clean air, water and forests, but new allowances mean only additional costs for Czech households,” he said.
Fiala defended that his government had been able to claim better conditions for the Czech Republic – from the recognition of the core than the net source to the mitigation of the Euro 7 emission standard. “We pushed the core as a pure energy source when you gave us a bar that burned,” he added.
Czech Republic in Europe and a dispute over international government respect
Foreign policy was also an extensive part of the debate.
Fiala claimed that his government had strong partners in the EU and that the Czech Republic is seriously taken in Brussels. “Babis was jealous that our government is respected in Europe. He wants to restore the V4 power, but that is not enough,” the Prime Minister said.
Babiš, on the other hand, accused Viola’s government of weakness. According to him, the Czech Republic is unable to enforce its interests, and instead of pragmatic policy, Berlin or Brussels follows. As an alternative, he introduced the strengthening of the voice of Central Europe.
Pensions, wages and standard of living of ordinary people
In addition to macroeconomic issues, the discussion also focused on the normal life of people.
Babiš stressed that his YES movement will increase the salaries of firefighters, soldiers or teachers. “The graduate of the Faculty of Education cannot have 30,000, he must have 50,000,” he said, repeatedly stressed that his policy will bring immediate results.
Fiala opposed him by the fact that the government is already working to consolidate public finances and raise the standard of living. “We make difficult decisions that will bring stability and growth in the future,” the Prime Minister said. He stressed that his cabinet does not play fast populist gestures, but for long -term sustainability.
Duel full of attacks, applause and different visions of the future
The conclusion of the debate was as sharp as its beginning. The audience, divided exactly into two halves, alternated applause and laughter at every statement of his favorite.
Fiala worked confident throughout the evening and often entered the speech of Andrej Babiš. He objected to this: “I don’t feel at me,” the boss of YES said irritated.
Babiš found himself on the defensive several times and his performance was rated as non -energy. Unlike the past, he seemed less offensive and more tired, which contrasted with violet self -confident expression.
They both agreed only in one: the upcoming elections will decide on the future of the Czech Republic. Each of them, however, offered voters a completely different way – Fiala stability and responsible decisions, Babiš immediate relief and return to the “strong leader”.
Support Ukraine as a security policy test
The debate could not miss the topic of military support of Ukraine and the security of the region, which after the attacks of Russian drones in Poland gaining urgency.
Fiala stressed that help Ukraine is also an investment in the security of the Czech Republic and that the support of the Allies must be consistent: “Ukraine is also fighting for our security, for the security of Europe,” the Prime Minister said. He argued that the Czech government is fulfilling their obligations and that increasing defense expenditure is essential for the modernization of the army and the protection of citizens.
Andrej Babiš, on the other hand, questioned the scope of military support and emphasized that the money went primarily to the “home priorities”. He said that the army should be strengthened, but not “just percent”, and criticized the government for inefficient purchases.
The contradiction between the violet emphasis on the obligations to the Allies and Babiš’s home budget preference was one of the sharpest moments of the duel and showed that security and Ukraine will also be key themes for undecided voters.
A few days before the elections, the opinion polls are favored by Babiš’s movement, which leads to about 10 percent before the right -wing coalition.
