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Andrej Babiš, the self-styled tycoon that secured victory in the recent parliamentary vote, has declined to sell his extensive corporate assets, while insisting he will resolve a conflict of interest that might block him from taking the position of prime minister.

Position on Business Holdings

Babiš, whose political movement came first in the autumn vote but lacked a parliamentary majority, declared in a online statement that he would not divest his Agrofert conglomerate, which operates in farming, food production, and chemicals.

“I have consistently stated I will not sell Agrofert. I have consistently stated I will address the conflict of interest in compliance with Czech and European laws,” the billionaire commented. “This is different from selling a pastry in a bakeshop.”

Head of State's Demand

The head of state, Petr Pavel, announced that the elderly populist must clarify openly how he will eliminate conflicts of interest stemming from his business activities before being appointed premier.

The Czech constitution “clearly mandates the president to take into account the possible emergence of a conflict of interest and the possibilities for its resolution” when appointing cabinet members, the presidential administration noted.

The president “expects clarity in what specific way Andrej Babiš will fulfil his statutory duties”, the announcement added, noting that Pavel was ready to designate Babiš as premier “without delay” once the issue was settled.

Business Operations and Legal Issues

Babiš's several hundred companies, mostly under the Agrofert umbrella, function in the nation and other regional countries, receiving substantial funds in domestic and European agricultural and other grants, as well as public contracts.

Under Czech law, government ministers cannot obtaining state support or contracts. The anti-corruption organization Transparency International has stated that to prevent a ethical breach, Babiš must either sell, refuse government deals, or stay out of public office.

Previous Tenure and Current Plans

Babiš affirmed he would “follow the laws” if appointed as premier, but declined to detail how in advance because the issue was “an highly personal and private affair for me, and the media will always criticise me anyway”.

During his initial tenure as prime minister, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš faced several court cases and an EU investigation over possible conflicts of interest. He placed his assets into trust funds, while keeping some influence over them.

A court and the EU executive both ruled that this was insufficient. Babiš stated last month that he was once more the sole owner of Agrofert and maintained he was “taking steps” to avoid a conflict of interest, but refused to reveal specifics.

Coalition Agreement and International Consequences

The billionaire populist has concluded a coalition agreement with two rightwing fringe parties, the far-right, pro-Russian SPD, which has advocated a public vote on leaving the EU, and the Motorists for Themselves, which has mainly opposed the EU’s environmental policy.

The new government, if confirmed, is likely to bolster the populist bloc in the region and might strain backing from Western nations for Ukraine – even though Babiš has contacted Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to confirm of Czech support.

Pavel, who as president has a role for international relations, also requested that the coalition’s programme add a declaration on the government’s position on Russia’s war in Ukraine, with a commitment to meeting Nato obligations.

The president has previously said he would not endorse any ministerial nominees who might question the nation's international alliances, a requirement that the ultra-conservative party has said it will meet by proposing independent technocrats.