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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed tycoon who won last month's parliamentary vote, has refused to offload his extensive business interests, while insisting he will address a conflict of interest that could prevent him from taking the role of prime minister.

Stance on Corporate Empire

Babiš, whose ANO party came first in the October vote but did not secure a majority in parliament, stated in a social media post that he would not sell his Agrofert group, which operates in agriculture, food processing, and chemical industries.

“I have consistently stated I will never sell Agrofert. I have consistently said I will resolve the conflict of interest in accordance with national and European laws,” the billionaire commented. “This is not like selling a roll in a bakery.”

Head of State's Demand

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, announced that the elderly political figure must publicly explain how he will remove ethical conflicts stemming from his corporate dealings before assuming the role of prime minister.

The Czech constitution “clearly mandates the head of state to consider the possible emergence of a ethical issue and the ways to address it” when selecting government ministers, the presidential administration explained.

The president “expects clarity in what specific way Andrej Babiš will fulfil his statutory duties”, the statement added, noting that Pavel was ready to designate Babiš as prime minister “immediately” once the issue was resolved.

Corporate Activities and Legal Concerns

Babiš's numerous companies, primarily under the Agrofert group, operate in the nation and other regional countries, benefiting from substantial funds in domestic and European farming and other subsidies, as well as government deals.

Under national legislation, cabinet members are barred from receiving state support or agreements. The ethics watchdog Transparency International has stated that to prevent a conflict of interest, Babiš must either sell, refuse government deals, or stay out of public office.

Past Tenure and Present Plans

Babiš affirmed he would “follow the laws” if selected as prime minister, but declined to detail how in beforehand because the matter was “an highly personal and personal matter for me, and journalists will invariably criticise me anyway”.

During his first term as premier, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš faced multiple court cases and an European inquiry over possible conflicts of interest. He temporarily moved his assets into trust funds, while keeping certain control over them.

A court and the EU executive both determined that this did not suffice. Babiš stated last month that he was again the sole owner of Agrofert and insisted he was “taking steps” to prevent a conflict of interest, but declined to reveal details.

Governing Deal and International Consequences

The billionaire populist has signed a governing pact with two minor right-leaning groups, the ultra-conservative, pro-Russian SPD, which has called for a referendum on exiting the EU, and the Motorists for Themselves, which has mainly campaigned against the EU’s environmental policy.

The new government, if approved, is likely to bolster the populist movement in the region and might challenge western support for Ukraine – although Babiš has contacted Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to assure him of Czech support.

Pavel, who as head of state shares responsibility for foreign policy, also requested that the government agenda include a declaration on the official stance on the conflict in Ukraine, with a pledge to meeting Nato obligations.

The president has previously stated he would not endorse any cabinet candidates who might question the Czech Republic’s international alliances, a requirement that the far-right SPD has indicated it will satisfy by nominating independent technocrats.