Pavel held meetings on Sunday with several party leaders who secured seats in the Czech parliament’s lower house during this weekend’s elections, which were dominated by Babiš and his right-wing ANO party, reports 24brussels.
Following the elections, Pavel indicated that it is premature to discuss a mandate for government formation, stating, “It will only make sense to discuss this once there’s a clearer outline of a government that could realistically secure the support of the Chamber of Deputies. And we’re not there yet.” He expects the inaugural session of the new Cabinet to take place in November.
In Czechia, the president plays a crucial constitutional role, engaging with party leaders post-election to explore potential coalitions. While the election winner typically gets the first chance to form a government, the president ultimately decides who is tasked with this responsibility, selecting the leader most likely to command a majority in the 200-seat lower house of parliament.
Once a government achieves at least a 101-seat majority, the president appoints the prime minister and ministers, although the new government still requires a vote of confidence.
Babiš announced on Saturday his intention to form a minority government, with support from the right-wing populist Motorists for Themselves and far-right Freedom and Democracy (SPD) parties.
Pavel has previously stated he is consulting legal experts regarding whether to block Babiš due to conflicts of interest stemming from the tycoon’s extensive agriculture empire, Agrofert. Pavel confirmed he has discussed this issue directly with Babiš.
Babiš noted, “If he is given the mandate to form a government and is appointed, he will resolve the conflict of interest in accordance with the law,” adding “there are several options.”
Pavel mentioned that Babiš presented several compliance strategies, though he refrained from commenting further until discussions become more pertinent.
