Czech politics: Allegations of plots against President Pavel and EU ruling on Babiš

Investigative journalist Sabina Slonková claims that a secret plan is being developed by associates of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to pressure President Petr Pavel into leaving politics. Slonková suggests the goal is to discourage Pavel from seeking another presidential term by creating significant political pressure, potentially involving a secret file for emergency situations. She compared the alleged strategy to the ‘Olovo’ case from the Miloš Zeman era.

Separately, the European Commission has officially stated that Andrej Babiš has failed to resolve his conflict of interest. In a letter to the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control, Commissioner Piotr Serafin noted that the trust fund established by Babiš to hold his Agrofert holdings does not sufficiently mitigate his personal economic and family interests. The Commission concluded that because Babiš remains informed about the fund’s portfolio and management is overseen by a family council of his beneficiaries, his personal influence has not been removed.