Babiš says coalition talks progressing but not finished

Andrej Babiš, leader of the ANO party and winner of the recent parliamentary elections, met President Petr Pavel again on Wednesday. After the 75-minute meeting, he said that negotiations on forming a new government with Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Motorists party are “going relatively well,” though not yet complete. He expects the division of ministries to be finalized by Friday. Babiš said talks are moving quickly to secure basic agreements before focusing on policy details and parliamentary cooperation. If he is formally tasked with forming the government, Babiš said he would like to represent Czechia at the December European Council meeting.