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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed billionaire that won the recent parliamentary vote, has refused to sell his vast business interests, while asserting he will resolve a ethical dilemma that could prevent him from taking the role of prime minister.

Stance on Corporate Empire

Babiš, whose ANO party came first in the autumn vote but lacked a majority in parliament, declared in a social media post that he would not divest his Agrofert conglomerate, which operates in agriculture, food processing, and chemicals.

“I have repeatedly stated I will never sell Agrofert. I have repeatedly said I will resolve the ethical issue in accordance with Czech and EU regulations,” the billionaire remarked. “This is not like selling a pastry in a bakeshop.”

President's Requirement

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

The national charter “clearly mandates the president to take into account the potential occurrence of a conflict of interest and the possibilities for its resolution” when appointing cabinet members, Pavel's office explained.

The president “expects clarity in what specific way Andrej Babiš will fulfil his statutory duties”, the announcement added, noting that Pavel was ready to designate Babiš as premier “without delay” once the matter was resolved.

Corporate Activities and Legal Issues

Babiš's several hundred firms, mostly under the Agrofert umbrella, function in the nation and other central European countries, benefiting from millions of euros in domestic and European farming and other grants, as well as public contracts.

Under national legislation, cabinet members cannot obtaining state support or agreements. The ethics organization Transparency International has stated that to prevent a conflict of interest, Babiš must either sell, refuse government deals, or not enter public office.

Previous Term and Present Intentions

Babiš said he would “follow the regulations” if appointed as premier, but did not want to detail how in beforehand because the matter was “an extremely sensitive and private affair for me, and the media will invariably question me regardless”.

During his initial tenure as prime minister, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš faced several legal battles and an EU investigation over possible ethical issues. He placed his holdings into trust funds, while keeping some influence over them.

A judicial body and the EU executive both determined that this did not suffice. Babiš stated recently that he was once more the exclusive proprietor of Agrofert and insisted he was “taking steps” to prevent a ethical problem, but declined to disclose details.

Coalition Deal and International Implications

The wealthy politician has concluded a coalition agreement with two rightwing fringe parties, the ultra-conservative, Russia-friendly 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 Green Deal.

The incoming administration, if approved, is expected to bolster the populist movement in central and eastern Europe and might challenge western support for Ukraine – even though Babiš has contacted Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to confirm of the nation's backing.

Pavel, who as head of state shares responsibility for foreign policy, also requested that the government agenda add a statement on the official stance on the conflict in Ukraine, with a pledge to fulfilling Nato obligations.

The president has earlier stated he would not endorse any ministerial nominees who might doubt the nation's international alliances, a requirement that the far-right SPD has said it will meet by proposing independent technocrats.