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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed billionaire who won last month's parliamentary vote, has refused to offload his vast business interests, while insisting he will address a conflict of interest that could prevent him from assuming the position of head of government.

Stance on Corporate Empire

Babiš, whose political movement came first in the autumn election but did not secure a parliamentary majority, declared in a social media post that he will not sell his Agrofert conglomerate, which is active in farming, food processing, and chemicals.

“I have repeatedly said I will never sell Agrofert. I have consistently stated I will resolve the ethical issue in accordance with national and European laws,” the billionaire remarked. “This is different from selling a roll in a bakery.”

President's Requirement

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, announced that the elderly populist must publicly explain how he will eliminate ethical conflicts stemming from his business activities before being appointed prime minister.

The national charter “clearly mandates the president to consider the possible emergence of a conflict of interest and the possibilities for its resolution” when appointing government ministers, Pavel's office explained.

The president “expects clarity in what precise manner Andrej Babiš will meet his constitutional and legal obligations”, the statement added, stating that Pavel was ready to appoint Babiš as prime minister “immediately” once the issue was settled.

Corporate Activities and Legal Concerns

Babiš's numerous companies, mostly under the Agrofert group, operate in the Czech Republic and other regional countries, receiving substantial funds in domestic and European agricultural and other grants, as well as government deals.

Under national legislation, government ministers cannot receiving state support or agreements. The anti-corruption organization Transparency International has indicated that to prevent a conflict of interest, Babiš must either sell, decline public contracts, or stay out of government.

Previous Tenure and Present Intentions

Babiš said he would “abide by the regulations” if appointed as premier, but declined to explain how in advance because the matter was “an highly personal and personal matter for me, and journalists will invariably question me anyway”.

During his first term as premier, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš faced several court cases and an EU investigation over potential ethical issues. He placed his holdings into trust funds, while keeping some influence over them.

A judicial body and the European Commission both determined that this did not suffice. Babiš confirmed last month that he was again the sole owner of Agrofert and maintained he was “taking steps” to avoid a conflict of interest, but refused to disclose details.

Coalition Agreement and International Consequences

The wealthy politician has signed a coalition agreement with two minor right-leaning groups, the far-right, Russia-friendly SPD, which has advocated a public vote on exiting the EU, and the Motorists for Themselves, which has mainly opposed the EU’s environmental policy.

The incoming administration, if approved, is likely to strengthen the populist movement in the region and might challenge backing from Western nations for Ukraine – although Babiš has called Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to assure him of the nation's backing.

Pavel, who as president has a role for foreign policy, also demanded that the government agenda include a declaration on the government’s position on Russia’s war in Ukraine, with a commitment to meeting alliance duties.

The head of state has earlier stated he would not endorse any cabinet candidates who might question the nation's international alliances, a condition that the ultra-conservative party has said it will meet by nominating non-partisan experts.