Andrej Babiš faces significant hurdles in his efforts to establish a single-party minority government as both Motorists and SPD demand direct involvement in governance, reports 24brussels.
In Czechia, the president plays a critical role in determining who is tasked with forming the government, typically favoring the election winner. However, the president’s eventual choice must secure a majority in the lower chamber after the Cabinet is appointed, emphasizing the complexities of the political landscape.
President Pavel is currently assessing the legality of Babiš’s potential conflict of interest regarding his extensive agricultural business, Agrofert. He has sought legal counsel on whether to impede Babiš from advancing in the government formation process.
On Sunday, Babiš presented several legal options to Pavel for resolving this conflict. Pavel acknowledged Babiš’s commitment to compliance with the law, which has allowed the former Prime Minister to feel more secure about his prospects.
Pavel indicated a willingness to approve Babiš’s appointment, contingent on his ability to assemble a functional government. “Once the parties forming the government reach an agreement on their program overlaps and on the personnel appointments, then — if there is such a will — there will be no reason to delay, and it will be possible to task the election with government formation,” he stated.
Additionally, President Pavel urged the next government to maintain the Prague-led ammunition initiative for Ukraine, which has provided crucial armaments to Kyiv. This stance contrasts with Babiš’s ANO party, which had pledged to cancel the program amid transparency concerns, proposing instead that NATO oversee the initiative.
“This is primarily about our credibility — both in relation to occupied Ukraine, which depends on our ammunition supplies, and with our partners in the EU. Ending it would harm our standing not only with our partners but also in Ukraine, where it would lead to many more deaths,” Pavel emphasized, highlighting the importance of continued support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
