The president made Babisz's appointment conditional on a public explanation of how the politician wanted to prevent a conflict of interest that would arise under Czech and European law.
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When will the Czech president appoint the prime minister?
What ultimatum did the president give to Babisz?
What did Babisz announce about the Agrofert holding?
How many people does the Agrofert holding employ?
Controversy surrounding Babisz's company
In a video statement published on social media on Thursday, Babisz assured that he will have nothing to do with the company he has built over the years and in which he owns 100 percent. shares. He announced that even after ending his political career, Agrofert, one of the largest Czech companies, would not come back to him.
The holding's shares are to be managed by a trust fund, but it is to be established and managed by an independent manager. Control over its activities is also to be independent. These are important reservations because Babisz was already the head of government and was forced to transfer the shares to trust funds, but they were raised by Agrofert's lawyer, and the courts indicated the prime minister as the person actually exercising the ownership rights of the holding.
Now Babisz emphasized that he will not use the holding's profits. “Similarly, my children and wife will not have any influence on Agrofert and will not receive any financial benefits from it,” Babisz added. “This is a solution from which there is no turning back,” he emphasized.
Babisz announced that his descendants will be able to take over Agrofert only after his death. According to the former and future prime minister, his decisions go further than the letter of the law regarding conflict of interest. He added that his future was decided by voters who clearly stated who they wanted as prime minister.
“Of course, I could have left politics after winning the elections and led a comfortable life, or ANO could have chosen another prime minister. However, I am convinced that you would consider it a betrayal,” he said in the video.
The Czech president demanded explanations
President Pavel, who had previously entrusted Babis with leading talks on forming a government after the elections won by ANO, demanded that the leader of this group publicly announce how to resolve the conflict of interests before becoming prime minister.
Holding Agrofert operates in agriculture, food and chemical industries. It brings together approximately 200 companies in the Czech Republic and abroad. He owns, among others, chemical companies Deza, Fatra, Lovochemie and Precheza, as well as food companies. Companies controlled by Agrofrert also deal with infertility treatment. The holding employs 29,000. people, including approximately 18 thousand in the Czech Republic. It is one of the largest private employers in the country.
