Czech Defense Experts Say 5% GDP Military Spending by 2035 Is Feasible; ANO Leads Polls as Coalition Partners Slip

Czech defense analysts confirmed that raising the country's military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 — in line with NATO's evolving spending ambitions — is economically feasible but requires sustained political will. The assessment comes as the Czech Republic approaches the 2% NATO minimum target amid intensifying security pressures on NATO's eastern flank. Separately, STEM polling data shows PM Babis's ANO party maintaining a dominant lead while coalition partner Motorists would fall below the 5% parliamentary threshold, and TOP 09 is also at risk. The Chamber of Deputies will vote next week on reducing self-employed insurance contributions, lowering the assessment base from 40% to 35% of the average wage.