Political parties in Europe, including the Czech Republic, are not merely ideological platforms but active players in shaping a nation’s governance. These parties aim to gain power or at least secure a foothold in state institutions.
The Czech political landscape, with almost 100 parties and 150 political movements, reflects a diverse spectrum of views. However, nothing tests the true orientation of political forces more sharply than their stance on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Declarations and actions, whether supporting or opposing Western values, reveal not only the ideological position of these parties but often expose their financial backers and foreign influences.
Russia’s War and Transformation of Europe
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered profound transformations across Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic and the EU at large.
Central Europe, once seen as peripheral in broader EU discussions, has now become central to the geopolitical landscape. The war has bolstered the influence of NATO’s eastern flank, with countries like Poland, the Baltic states, Czechia, and Slovenia standing firmly with Ukraine from the outset of Russia’s aggression.
Analysts attribute this to two primary factors: first, these nations’ consistent support for Ukraine, and second, the long-held scepticism towards Russia, which has proved more justified than the engagement-based policies pursued by Berlin and Paris.
While some Western leaders initially favoured diplomacy and trade relations with Moscow, Central Europe’s wary stance toward the Kremlin has proven prescient.
This shift reflects a broader trend where traditional Russian allies, particularly right- and left-wing populists in Europe, face increasing scrutiny for their ties to the Kremlin.
Hungary’s Viktor Orbán: Kremlin puppet in Europe
Among the most vocal supporters of Russia within the EU is Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Long seen as a key Russian ally, Orbán has positioned himself as a defender of Russian interests in Europe, often directly opposing the EU’s stance on Ukraine.
His value to Vladimir Putin lies not only in his rhetoric but also in his strategic manipulation of historical grievances, notably Hungary’s territorial losses under the Treaty of Trianon.
By leveraging the Hungarian diaspora in countries like Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, and Ukraine, Orbán has ensured that pro-Hungarian parties play a significant role in these nations’ politics. These parties, loyal to Orbán, indirectly serve the Kremlin’s interests by undermining European unity and fostering divisions within the EU.
Pro-Hungarian parliamentary groups frequently meet in international assemblies to receive instructions, allocate roles, and secure funding, bolstering Orbán’s influence.
Countries like Croatia, Romania, and Ukraine have taken steps to curb this influence, viewing Orbán as a “Kremlin Trojan horse.”
However, in Austria, Slovakia, and Serbia, these parties continue to support the Moscow-Budapest axis, a stance made even more prominent with the rise of leaders like Slovakia’s Robert Fico, another Kremlin ally.
The political landscape is shifting, and Russia’s Trojan horses are making their way into Europe
The war in Ukraine has clarified the positions of many European countries regarding their support for Ukraine or alignment with Russia.
At the beginning of the war, some nations struggled to grasp the full extent of Russia’s aggression and the importance of supporting Ukraine.
Today, however, there is far greater consensus within the EU. The threat posed by Putin’s ambitions is now fully understood, and there is widespread recognition that Ukraine is not only defending itself but also safeguarding European values. Should Russia succeed in Ukraine, many fear it would encourage further aggression against European nations.
Czechia, for its part, has firmly aligned itself with Ukraine, maintaining an active role in condemning Russian aggression.
Although it may not be the loudest voice in the European chorus, its consistent support demonstrates its commitment to European unity and resistance against authoritarianism.
Russia’s long-standing strategy of cultivating political allies within Europe has become increasingly transparent. For years, the Kremlin has financed far-right and far-left radical parties, populists, and even extremist movements across the EU.
These groups, which often blend nationalism with anti-EU rhetoric, serve as “Trojan horses,” attempting to fracture European unity from within.
However, the broader European electorate is becoming increasingly aware of these tactics. The understanding that a country’s future in the European family of nations depends on its people’s will rather than corrupt politicians’ machinations is growing.
While Russia continues to pour resources into influencing European politics, it faces a resilient and increasingly informed public that recognises the importance of defending democracy and standing against authoritarian influence.
Overall, Russia’s war against Ukraine has been a litmus test for Europe’s political parties, exposing the true loyalties and orientations of politicians across the continent.
While some, like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico, openly align with the Kremlin, others in Central and Eastern Europe stand firm in their support for Ukraine and
