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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed billionaire that secured victory in the recent parliamentary vote, has declined to sell his extensive corporate assets, while asserting he will resolve a conflict of interest that could prevent him from taking the position of prime minister.

Stance on Corporate Empire

Babiš, whose ANO party came first in the autumn election but did not secure a parliamentary majority, declared in a online statement that he will not divest his Agrofert group, which operates in farming, food production, and chemical industries.

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

Head of State's Requirement

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, stated that the 71-year-old populist must publicly explain how he will eliminate conflicts of interest stemming from his business activities before being appointed premier.

The national charter “clearly mandates the president to take into account the potential occurrence of a ethical issue and the possibilities for its resolution” when appointing government ministers, Pavel's office noted.

The president “expects clarity in what specific way Andrej Babiš will fulfil his statutory duties”, the statement said, stating that Pavel was ready to appoint Babiš as premier “without delay” once the issue was resolved.

Business Operations and Regulatory Concerns

Babiš's numerous firms, primarily under the Agrofert group, operate in the nation and other regional countries, benefiting from millions of euros in domestic and European agricultural and other subsidies, as well as government deals.

Under Czech law, cabinet members cannot obtaining state support or contracts. The ethics organization Transparency International has stated that to prevent a conflict of interest, Babiš must either sell, refuse government deals, or not enter government.

Past Term and Present Plans

Babiš affirmed he would “follow the laws” if selected as premier, but did not want to explain how in beforehand because the issue was “an highly personal and private affair for me, and the media will invariably criticise me regardless”.

During his initial tenure as prime minister, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš encountered multiple court cases and an European inquiry over possible conflicts of interest. He temporarily moved his assets into fiduciary arrangements, while retaining some influence over them.

A judicial body and the EU executive both determined that this was insufficient. Babiš stated recently that he was once more the sole owner of Agrofert and insisted he was “taking steps” to prevent a conflict of interest, but refused to reveal specifics.

Coalition Agreement and International Implications

The wealthy politician has signed a governing pact with two rightwing fringe parties, the ultra-conservative, pro-Russian SPD, which has advocated a public vote on exiting the EU, and the Motorists for Themselves, which has mainly opposed the EU’s environmental policy.

The incoming administration, if confirmed, is expected to strengthen the populist movement in the region and could challenge backing from Western nations for Ukraine – even though Babiš has called Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to confirm of Czech support.

Pavel, who as president has a role for foreign policy, also demanded that the coalition’s programme add a statement on the official stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, including a pledge to meeting alliance duties.

The president has earlier stated he would not endorse any cabinet candidates who might question the nation's EU and Nato commitments, a requirement that the far-right SPD has indicated it will meet by nominating non-partisan experts.