In brief
Andrej Babis, a billionaire and former prime minister, has been appointed the new Czech Republic prime minister. He committed to shedding his control of Agrofert, addressing concerns over conflicts of interest. His government is set to shift towards a more right-leaning stance, and Babis aims to make the Czech Republic a thriving place for its citizens. Critics question the effectiveness of his divestment plans.
Billionaire Andrej Babis has been appointed as the Czech Republic's new prime minister, with his full cabinet expected to take office within days.
His appointment followed a key demand from President Petr Pavel - a public pledge by Babis to relinquish control over his vast food-processing, agriculture, and chemicals conglomerate Agrofert.
I promise to be a prime minister who defends the interests of all our citizens, at home and abroad, Babis said after the ceremony at Prague Castle.
These are lofty ambitions, but Babis, 71, is used to thinking big.
If he honors his pledge to divest from the company he built from scratch, he will no longer benefit from the sale of any Agrofert product – from frankfurters to fertilizer.
Critics, including Transparency International, remain unconvinced. Babis's extensive business reach, including a new health clinic, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest in his governance.
