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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed billionaire who won last month's 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.

Stance on Business Holdings

Babiš, whose political movement emerged victorious in the autumn election but did not secure a majority in parliament, stated in a online statement that he would not sell his Agrofert group, which operates in farming, food production, and chemical industries.

“I have repeatedly said I will never sell Agrofert. I have consistently said I will address the ethical issue in compliance with Czech and European laws,” the billionaire remarked. “This is different from selling a pastry in a bakery.”

President's Demand

The head of state, Petr Pavel, announced that the elderly political figure must clarify openly how he will remove conflicts of interest arising from his corporate dealings before assuming the role of premier.

The national charter “clearly mandates the president to consider the potential occurrence of a conflict of interest and the ways to address it” when selecting cabinet members, the presidential administration noted.

The president “expects clarity in what specific way Andrej Babiš will fulfil his constitutional and legal obligations”, the statement said, noting that Pavel was ready to designate Babiš as prime minister “immediately” once the matter was resolved.

Business Operations and Regulatory Concerns

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

Under national legislation, government ministers cannot obtaining public aid or agreements. The anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International has indicated that to avoid a ethical breach, Babiš must either sell, decline public contracts, or stay out of government.

Previous Tenure and Present Intentions

Babiš affirmed he would “abide by the regulations” if selected as premier, but declined to detail how in advance because the matter was “an highly personal and private affair for me, and the media will always criticise me anyway”.

During his first term as prime minister, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš faced multiple legal battles and an European inquiry over potential ethical issues. He placed his holdings into fiduciary arrangements, while keeping some influence over them.

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

Coalition Deal and Foreign Policy Implications

The billionaire populist has signed a coalition agreement with two rightwing fringe parties, the far-right, Russia-friendly SPD, which has called for a public vote on exiting the EU, and the Motorists for Themselves, which has primarily opposed the EU’s environmental policy.

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

Pavel, who as president has a role for international relations, also demanded that the government agenda add a statement on the government’s position on the conflict in Ukraine, including a commitment to meeting alliance duties.

The head of state has previously said he would not endorse any ministerial nominees who might question the Czech Republic’s EU and Nato commitments, a condition that the far-right SPD has said it will meet by proposing non-partisan experts.