Opposition attacks conflict-of-interest bill as Babiš skips special parliamentary session

Czech opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) of benefiting from proposed changes to the country's conflict-of-interest law, as lawmakers held a special parliamentary session on the issue. The opposition argues the amendment would weaken oversight and make it easier for companies linked to government members to receive public subsidies and contracts, particularly benefiting Agrofert. Babiš, who was attending an event in Plzeň instead of the debate, dismissed the session as "pointless". He maintains that placing his shares in Agrofert into a trust has resolved any conflict of interest under both Czech and European law, while opposition parties continue to call for the suspension of subsidies pending the European Commission's review.