Pirates turn to Brussels over Babiš’ conflict of interest

The Czech Pirate Party has appealed to the European Commission over what it calls a glaring conflict of interest involving newly appointed Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO). The party is seeking clarity on whether Babiš’ Agrofert holding can continue drawing EU subsidies without breaching European rules. Party leader Zdeněk Hřib said Babiš’ proposed solution raises more questions than it answers.

Last week, Babiš announced that his Agrofert shares would be placed under a trust structure managed by an independent trustee and overseen by an independent protector. Hřib argues that the very essence of a blind trust is ignorance of its contents — a condition he says is not met here. Babiš knows Agrofert’s portfolio intimately, knows its managers by name, and knows exactly what his children stand to inherit. As prime minister, he will be able to shape laws and rules that directly benefit Agrofert and other companies tied to him,” Hřib warned.