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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed tycoon who secured victory in last month's parliamentary vote, has refused to sell his vast business interests, while insisting he will resolve a conflict of interest that might prevent him from assuming the position of prime minister.

Position on Business Holdings

Babiš, whose political movement came first in the autumn election but did not secure a parliamentary majority, declared in a online statement that he would not divest his Agrofert conglomerate, which is active in agriculture, food production, and chemicals.

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

Head of State's Requirement

The head of state, Petr Pavel, announced that the elderly populist must clarify openly how he will remove ethical conflicts stemming from his business activities before being appointed premier.

The national charter “explicitly requires the president to consider the possible emergence of a conflict of interest and the ways to address it” when appointing cabinet members, Pavel's office explained.

The president “expects clarity in what specific way Andrej Babiš will meet his constitutional and legal obligations”, the announcement added, noting that Pavel was ready to appoint Babiš as premier “immediately” once the matter was resolved.

Corporate Activities and Legal Issues

Babiš's several hundred companies, primarily under the Agrofert umbrella, function in the nation and other central European states, receiving millions of euros in domestic and European agricultural and other grants, as well as public contracts.

Under national legislation, cabinet members are barred from obtaining state support or agreements. The anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International has indicated that to avoid a ethical breach, Babiš must either divest, decline public contracts, or not enter government.

Previous Term and Present Intentions

Babiš affirmed he would “follow the laws” if selected as prime minister, but did not want to explain how in advance because the matter was “an extremely sensitive and personal matter for me, and journalists will always question me regardless”.

During his first term as premier, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš encountered multiple court cases and an EU investigation over possible conflicts of interest. He temporarily moved 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 confirmed last month that he was once more the exclusive proprietor of Agrofert and maintained he was “taking steps” to avoid a ethical problem, but declined to disclose specifics.

Governing Deal and International Implications

The wealthy politician has concluded a coalition agreement with two rightwing fringe parties, the far-right, pro-Russian 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 incoming administration, if approved, is expected to bolster the populist bloc in the region and might challenge backing from Western nations for Ukraine – although Babiš has called Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to confirm of Czech support.

Pavel, who as president shares responsibility for international relations, also requested that the coalition’s programme add a statement on the official stance on the conflict in Ukraine, with a pledge to meeting alliance duties.

The president has previously stated he would not endorse any ministerial nominees who might question the nation's EU and Nato commitments, a requirement that the far-right SPD has said it will satisfy by nominating independent technocrats.