Czech opposition leader Andrej Babiš has accused the military of illegally spying on journalists, political rivals, and social media users ahead of October’s parliamentary elections.
Polls show Babiš’s ANO ahead with 31%, followed by the Spolu coalition and the nationalist SPD. Other likely contenders include STAN, the Pirate Party, and the communist-led Stacilo! alliance.
The scandal centres on the army’s Command of Information and Cyber Forces, which Babiš says conducted unauthorised surveillance without parliamentary oversight. Targets allegedly included opposition figures and politically active citizens. A 40-page internal report titled “Elections 2025” was reportedly compiled using the data.
Babiš claims he was among those monitored and says some soldiers raised legal concerns internally.
The army insists the materials were produced during a training exercise and denies any political spying. Chief of General Staff Karel Řehka called the accusations misleading and said no such orders were ever given.
