Agriculture ministry to seek repayment of subsidies from company of opposition leader Babiš

The Czech Agriculture Ministry will move to reclaim subsidies granted to Agrofert during the period when its ultimate owner, former prime minister Andrej Babiš (ANO), was in a conflict of interest as a cabinet member. Minister Marek Výborný (Christian Democrat) announced the step on X, citing legal opinions and rulings by the Supreme Administrative Court and Constitutional Court. According to Seznam Zprávy, the largest share involves entitlement-based farm subsidies for cultivating land and raising livestock, potentially worth billions of crowns. Agrofert’s spokesman rejected the move as baseless and part of an election campaign. Babiš told Czech Press Agency that Výborný has been “abusing his position and ministry officials for political fights” since taking office, and is “only seeking publicity before the elections.”