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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed billionaire that secured victory in last month's parliamentary vote, has declined to sell his extensive corporate assets, while insisting he will resolve a conflict of interest that could block him from taking the role of head of government.

Position on Business Holdings

Babiš, whose political movement came first in the autumn vote but did not secure a parliamentary majority, stated in a social media post that he would not sell his Agrofert group, which operates in agriculture, food production, and chemicals.

“I have consistently stated I will not sell Agrofert. I have consistently stated I will address the ethical issue in accordance with national and EU regulations,” the billionaire remarked. “This is not like selling a roll in a bakery.”

Head of State's Demand

The head of state, Petr Pavel, stated that the 71-year-old political figure must clarify openly how he will remove conflicts of interest arising 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 possibilities for its resolution” when appointing government ministers, Pavel's office explained.

The head of state “expects clarity in what specific way Andrej Babiš will fulfil his statutory duties”, the announcement added, noting that Pavel was prepared to designate Babiš as prime minister “without delay” once the issue was settled.

Business Operations and Regulatory Issues

Babiš's several hundred firms, primarily under the Agrofert umbrella, operate in the Czech Republic and other central European states, benefiting from millions of euros in domestic and European agricultural and other grants, as well as public contracts.

Under national legislation, government ministers cannot receiving public aid or agreements. The ethics organization Transparency International has indicated that to avoid a conflict of interest, Babiš must either sell, decline public contracts, or stay out of public office.

Previous Tenure and Current Plans

Babiš said he would “follow the regulations” if appointed as prime minister, but did not want to detail how in advance because the matter was “an highly personal and personal matter for me, and the media will invariably question me regardless”.

During his initial tenure as prime minister, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš encountered multiple legal battles and an EU investigation over possible ethical issues. He temporarily moved his assets into trust funds, while keeping some influence over them.

A judicial body and the European Commission both determined that this did not suffice. Babiš stated last month that he was once more the sole owner of Agrofert and maintained he was “implementing measures” to prevent a conflict of interest, but refused to reveal details.

Governing Deal and Foreign Policy Consequences

The billionaire populist has signed a governing pact with two minor right-leaning groups, the ultra-conservative, pro-Russian SPD, which has advocated a public vote on leaving the EU, and the Motorists for Themselves, which has mainly campaigned against the EU’s environmental policy.

The incoming administration, if approved, is likely to bolster the populist bloc in the region and could challenge backing from Western nations for Ukraine – although Babiš has contacted Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to assure him of Czech support.

Pavel, who as head of state has a role for international relations, also demanded that the government agenda include a declaration on the official stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, with a commitment to meeting Nato obligations.

The head of state has previously stated he would not approve any ministerial nominees who might question the nation's international alliances, a requirement that the ultra-conservative party has indicated it will satisfy by proposing non-partisan experts.