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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed billionaire who won last month's Czech election, has refused to sell his vast business interests, while insisting he will address a conflict of interest that might block him from taking the position of head of government.

Position on Corporate Empire

Babiš, whose ANO party emerged victorious in the autumn vote but lacked a parliamentary majority, declared in a online statement that he would not sell his Agrofert group, which is active in agriculture, food processing, and chemicals.

“I have repeatedly stated I will not sell Agrofert. I have consistently stated I will resolve the ethical issue in compliance with national and European laws,” the billionaire remarked. “This is not like selling a pastry in a bakeshop.”

Head of State's Demand

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, announced that the 71-year-old populist must clarify openly how he will remove conflicts of interest arising from his business activities before being appointed premier.

The Czech constitution “clearly mandates the head of state to consider the possible emergence of a conflict of interest and the possibilities for its resolution” when appointing cabinet members, the presidential administration explained.

The head of state “wants it to be clear in what specific way Andrej Babiš will fulfil his constitutional and legal obligations”, the announcement said, noting that Pavel was ready to appoint Babiš as prime minister “without delay” once the matter was settled.

Corporate Activities and Legal Issues

Babiš's numerous firms, primarily under the Agrofert group, function in the nation and other central European states, receiving substantial funds in domestic and European farming and other subsidies, as well as government deals.

Under national legislation, cabinet members cannot receiving public aid or agreements. The ethics watchdog Transparency International has stated that to prevent a conflict of interest, Babiš must either sell, refuse public contracts, or not enter government.

Past Tenure and Current Intentions

Babiš said he would “abide by the regulations” if appointed as prime minister, but did not want to explain how in advance because the issue was “an highly personal and personal matter for me, and the media will always question me anyway”.

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

A judicial body and the EU executive both determined that this did not suffice. Babiš confirmed recently that he was again the sole owner of Agrofert and maintained he was “implementing measures” to avoid a conflict of interest, but refused to reveal details.

Coalition Agreement and International Implications

The billionaire populist has concluded a coalition agreement with two rightwing fringe parties, the ultra-conservative, pro-Russian SPD, which has advocated a public vote on leaving the EU, and the Motorists for Themselves, which has primarily opposed the EU’s environmental policy.

The new government, if confirmed, is likely to strengthen the populist movement in central and eastern Europe and might 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 head of state has a role for international relations, also demanded that the coalition’s programme add a statement on the government’s position on the conflict in Ukraine, with a pledge to fulfilling Nato obligations.

The president has previously said he would not endorse any cabinet candidates who might doubt the nation's EU and Nato commitments, a requirement that the far-right SPD has said it will meet by nominating independent technocrats.