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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed tycoon who secured victory in last month's parliamentary vote, has refused to sell his extensive business interests, while asserting he will address a conflict of interest that could block him from taking the role of prime minister.

Position on Business Holdings

Babiš, whose ANO party emerged victorious in the autumn election but lacked a majority in parliament, stated in a social media post that he will not sell his Agrofert conglomerate, which is active in farming, food production, and chemical industries.

“I have consistently stated I will never sell Agrofert. I have repeatedly said I will address the conflict of interest in accordance with Czech and European laws,” the billionaire commented. “This is different from selling a roll in a bakery.”

President's Requirement

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, announced that the 71-year-old populist must publicly explain how he will eliminate conflicts of interest stemming from his corporate dealings before being appointed prime minister.

The Czech constitution “explicitly requires the president to consider the possible emergence of a conflict of interest and the ways to address it” when selecting government ministers, the presidential administration explained.

The head of state “wants it to be clear in what precise manner Andrej Babiš will meet his constitutional and legal obligations”, the announcement said, noting that Pavel was ready to appoint Babiš as prime minister “without delay” once the issue was resolved.

Corporate Activities and Regulatory Concerns

Babiš's several hundred companies, mostly under the Agrofert group, function in the nation and other regional countries, benefiting from substantial funds in domestic and European agricultural 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 stated that to prevent a conflict of interest, Babiš must either sell, refuse government deals, or not enter public office.

Past Term and Present Plans

Babiš said he would “follow the laws” if selected as premier, but did not want to detail how in beforehand because the issue was “an highly personal and private affair for me, and journalists will always question me regardless”.

During his initial tenure as premier, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš faced several court cases and an EU investigation over possible conflicts of interest. He temporarily moved his holdings into trust funds, while retaining some influence 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 maintained he was “implementing measures” to avoid a conflict of interest, but declined to disclose details.

Governing Deal and International Consequences

The billionaire populist has signed a governing pact with two minor right-leaning groups, the far-right, Russia-friendly SPD, which has advocated a referendum on exiting the EU, and the Motorists for Themselves, which has mainly opposed the EU’s Green Deal.

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 contacted Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to confirm of Czech support.

Pavel, who as president shares responsibility for international relations, also demanded that the coalition’s programme add a statement on the government’s position on Russia’s war in Ukraine, with a pledge to fulfilling Nato obligations.

The head of state has previously stated he would not endorse any cabinet candidates who might doubt the nation's EU and Nato commitments, a condition that the ultra-conservative party has indicated it will meet by nominating non-partisan experts.