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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed tycoon who won the recent Czech election, has refused to sell his extensive business interests, while asserting he will resolve a ethical dilemma that could prevent him from taking the position of prime minister.

Stance on Business Holdings

Babiš, whose political movement emerged victorious in the autumn vote but did not secure a parliamentary majority, stated in a online statement that he will not divest his Agrofert conglomerate, which is active in agriculture, food production, and chemical industries.

“I have consistently stated I will not sell Agrofert. I have repeatedly stated I will address the ethical issue in accordance with Czech and EU regulations,” the billionaire remarked. “This is not like selling a roll in a bakeshop.”

President's Demand

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, stated that the elderly political figure must publicly explain how he will eliminate conflicts of interest arising from his corporate dealings before being appointed premier.

The national charter “explicitly requires the head of state to take into account the potential occurrence of a conflict of interest and the ways to address it” when appointing government ministers, Pavel's office explained.

The president “expects clarity in what precise manner Andrej Babiš will fulfil his statutory duties”, the statement added, noting that Pavel was ready to appoint Babiš as prime minister “without delay” once the matter was resolved.

Corporate Activities and Legal Concerns

Babiš's several hundred companies, primarily under the Agrofert group, function in the nation and other central European countries, receiving millions of euros in national and EU farming and other subsidies, as well as public contracts.

Under national legislation, cabinet members are barred from receiving state support or contracts. The anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International has stated that to prevent a ethical breach, Babiš must either divest, refuse public contracts, or stay out of government.

Past Term and Current Intentions

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

During his initial tenure as prime minister, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš faced several court cases and an European inquiry over potential conflicts of interest. He temporarily moved his assets into trust funds, while keeping some influence over them.

A judicial body and the EU executive both determined that this was insufficient. Babiš stated last month that he was again the sole owner of Agrofert and maintained he was “implementing measures” to prevent a conflict of interest, but declined to disclose specifics.

Governing Agreement and Foreign Policy Consequences

The wealthy politician has signed a coalition agreement with two minor right-leaning groups, the ultra-conservative, pro-Russian SPD, which has called for a public vote on leaving 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 could strain western support for Ukraine – even though Babiš has contacted Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to assure him of Czech support.

Pavel, who as president shares responsibility for international relations, also demanded that the coalition’s programme include a declaration on the official stance on the conflict in Ukraine, with a commitment to meeting Nato obligations.

The president has earlier said he would not approve any cabinet candidates who might doubt the nation's EU and Nato commitments, a requirement that the ultra-conservative party has indicated it will satisfy by proposing independent technocrats.