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Andrej Babiš, the self-proclaimed billionaire who secured victory in the recent Czech election, has declined to sell his vast business interests, while asserting he will address a ethical dilemma that could prevent him from taking the role of prime minister.

Stance on Corporate Empire

Babiš, whose ANO party emerged victorious in the autumn vote but lacked a parliamentary majority, stated in a social media post that he would not sell his Agrofert conglomerate, which operates in farming, food production, and chemicals.

“I have repeatedly said 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 different from selling a roll in a bakery.”

President's Requirement

The head of state, Petr Pavel, stated that the elderly populist must publicly explain how he will remove conflicts of interest arising from his business activities before being appointed premier.

The national charter “clearly mandates the president to consider the possible emergence of a ethical issue 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 constitutional and legal obligations”, the announcement said, stating that Pavel was prepared to appoint Babiš as prime minister “without delay” once the issue was settled.

Corporate Activities and Regulatory Concerns

Babiš's several hundred companies, mostly under the Agrofert umbrella, operate in the nation and other central European states, benefiting from millions of euros in domestic and European farming and other grants, as well as government deals.

Under Czech law, cabinet members cannot receiving public aid or agreements. The ethics watchdog Transparency International has indicated that to avoid a conflict of interest, Babiš must either divest, decline public contracts, or not enter government.

Previous Tenure and Current Intentions

Babiš said he would “abide by the regulations” if appointed as prime minister, but did not want to explain how in advance because the matter was “an highly personal and private affair for me, and the media will always criticise me regardless”.

During his first term as premier, from 2017 to 2021, Babiš faced several legal battles and an EU investigation over potential conflicts of interest. He placed his assets into trust funds, while retaining 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 maintained he was “taking steps” to avoid a conflict of interest, but refused to disclose specifics.

Governing Deal and International Implications

The wealthy politician has concluded a coalition agreement 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 primarily campaigned against the EU’s environmental policy.

The new government, if confirmed, is likely to bolster the populist movement in the region and could challenge western support for Ukraine – although Babiš has contacted Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to assure him of the nation's backing.

Pavel, who as head of state has a role for international relations, also demanded that the coalition’s programme include a declaration on the official stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, including a pledge to meeting alliance duties.

The head of state has earlier said 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 independent technocrats.