Czech coalition lawmakers propose changes to conflict-of-interest law

Czech coalition lawmakers have proposed amendments to conflict-of-interest legislation that critics say could allow companies linked to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to continue receiving public subsidies and contracts, regardless of whether the prime minister has fully resolved concerns over conflicts of interest.

If adopted, the amendment would also reportedly prevent the retrospective recovery of subsidies previously paid to the Agrofert concern he is linked with.

Under current rules, companies that are more than 25 percent owned by a public office holder are barred from receiving state subsidies and participating in public procurement tenders. The proposed amendment would narrow those restrictions, applying them only to officials who directly head the authority responsible for awarding the subsidies or contracts.

The proposal comes as Czech authorities and the European Commission continue to examine allegations of conflicts of interest involving Babiš.