PM Babiš says conflict of interest issue resolved beyond legal requirements

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš says he has resolved his conflict of interest issues related to his assets well beyond the requirements of both Czech and European law.

In a statement to the Czech News Agency, Babiš said he no longer owns the Agrofert holding and will derive no benefit from it. He argued that the European Commission is obliged to respond to complaints filed by the Czech opposition and is therefore seeking further clarification from Czech authorities. He added that he expects the matter to be closed once the Czech side provides its response.

The issue resurfaced after Czech Radio reported that the Commission had found the Czech authorities’ previous response insufficient regarding questions over Babiš’s alleged conflict of interest.

According to the news outlet, the Commission stated in its letter that no subsidies linked to companies associated with Babiš would be reimbursed until the conflict of interest issue is fully resolved.