Babis Outlines Plan for Business Holdings Ahead of Czech PM Appointment

Czech ANO party leader Andrej Babis has said he will publicly reveal how he plans to restructure his extensive business assets just before his expected appointment as prime minister. The announcement aims to address concerns raised by President Petr Pavel, who insists Babis must clarify his intentions to resolve conflicts of interest before forming a new government with two right-wing parties, including the far-right SPD.

Babis, a billionaire with business interests spanning agriculture, chemicals, and healthcare, faces legal restrictions that bar government officials from owning companies receiving state or EU subsidies. While he has ruled out selling his flagship holding, Agrofert, he claims he will meet both Czech and EU rules—though he has not disclosed details. His previous attempt, placing companies into trust funds during his 2017–2021 term as prime minister, was ruled insufficient by Czech courts and the European Commission.

Legal experts and anti-corruption groups argue that the only clean solutions are selling his businesses, forgoing subsidies and public contracts, or staying out of government entirely. Despite his alliances with Europe’s far-right, Babis says he remains committed to keeping the Czech Republic firmly within the EU and NATO, even as he challenges EU climate and migration policies.

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