Andrej Babiš

Andrej Babiš
Born	(1954-09-02) September 2, 1954 Bratislava, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, politician
Years active	1978–present
Known for	Prime Minister of the Czech Republic (2017–2021), founder of ANO political party, founder and owner of Agrofert conglomerate

Andrej Babiš (; born 2 September 1954) is a Czech entrepreneur and political figure who held the office of prime minister from 2017 until 2021. Prior to that, he served as Minister of Finance and deputy prime minister between 2014 and 2017. Since 2012, Babiš has been the founder and leader of the political party ANO.

Originally from Bratislava, Babiš relocated to the Czech Republic during the early 1990s. He rose to become one of the nation’s wealthiest individuals, with Bloomberg estimating his net worth at approximately $4.04 billion as of November 2020, and Forbes placing it at $3.5 billion in February 2024. He established and owns the Agrofert conglomerate, which ranks among the largest enterprises in the Czech Republic.

Following ANO’s success in the 2017 Czech legislative election, Babiš was appointed prime minister on 6 December 2017. He holds the distinction of being both the oldest and wealthiest prime minister in Czech history, as well as the first to come from outside the Civic Democratic or Social Democratic parties. Additionally, he was the first prime minister born beyond Czech borders and holds dual citizenship.

Throughout his tenure, Babiš aligned politically with President Miloš Zeman, alongside cooperation with the Czech Social Democratic Party and the Communist Party. His administration implemented policies that increased the retirement age and cut pensions, while simultaneously raising child tax benefits and salaries for senior officials. Notable events during his leadership included expelling more than 80 Russian diplomats following revelations about Russian involvement in the 2014 Vrbětice explosions and handling the COVID-19 crisis, which resulted in roughly 35,000 fatalities and drew criticism over governmental measures. His period in office was also characterized by legal confrontations with the European Commission concerning alleged conflicts of interest and misuse of EU funds. After losing power in the 2021 election, he was succeeded by Petr Fiala on 17 December 2021. Babiš unsuccessfully contested the 2023 Czech presidential election and remains set to lead ANO as its prime ministerial candidate in the upcoming 2025 election.

Between 2015 and 2017, Babiš was under investigation for claims that a company under his control unlawfully obtained a €2 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund. Although charged in October 2017, he was acquitted in January 2023; this decision was later overturned and sent back for review in November 2023. Throughout his career, he has faced criticism over conflicts of interest, alleged past connections to the StB, and accusations of intimidating political adversaries, yet he remains a significant and polarizing presence within Czech political life.

Early life and career

Andrej Babiš was born on 2 September 1954 in Bratislava, then part of Czechoslovakia (currently Slovakia), to a Slovak father originating from Hlohovec and a Carpathian German mother from Yasinia, now located in Ukraine. His father worked as a diplomat and was a member of the Communist Party; he represented Czechoslovakia in international trade negotiations such as those under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) framework and also served as a consultant for the United Nations. During his childhood, Babiš spent time abroad receiving education in cities including Paris and Geneva. Later, he pursued studies in international trade at the University of Economics in Bratislava.

After completing his degree in 1978, Babiš began working for Chemapol Bratislava (which later became Petrimex), a Slovak state-owned trading company, eventually becoming its representative stationed in Morocco by 1985. He joined the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1980. In the course of the 1980s, he acted as an agent for Czechoslovakia’s secret police, StB; while he denies any conscious collaboration, efforts to challenge this through Slovakia’s National Memory Institute were unsuccessful. There are also allegations suggesting contacts with the Soviet intelligence agency KGB.

Business career

After the Velvet Revolution, Babiš came back from Morocco to Czechoslovakia in 1991 and later established his residence in the Czech Republic following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

In January 1993, he assumed the role of managing director at Agrofert, a newly created subsidiary of Petrimex operating within the Czech Republic. Babiš had initially suggested forming Agrofert during his tenure at Petrimex. Subsequently, Agrofert was recapitalized by OFI, a Swiss firm with undisclosed ownership based in Baar. OFI took over control from Petrimex, which then dismissed Babiš and unsuccessfully pursued legal action against him for allegedly diluting its shares. Shortly thereafter, Babiš acquired full ownership of Agrofert. The origins of his initial capital remained undisclosed as of early 2016, although Babiš asserts it originated from former Swiss school acquaintances.

Under Babiš’s leadership, Agrofert transformed into one of the nation's largest enterprises, expanding beyond wholesale and trading into agriculture, food processing, and the chemical sectors. By 2011, Agrofert Holding comprised more than 230 companies operating across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany. It was ranked as the fourth largest company in the Czech Republic by revenue, surpassing CZK 117 billion. Tomáš Pergler’s investigative work on Agrofert underscores its commanding position in Czech petrochemicals and its influence on perceptions of clientelism that swayed voter support toward the ANO movement. Upon entering political life, Babiš stepped down as CEO but retained sole ownership until February 2017, when he transferred his holdings into a trust to adhere to regulations during his tenure as Finance Minister of the Czech Republic.

Initially concentrating on agriculture, Babiš broadened Agrofert’s portfolio to include media assets. In 2013, Agrofert purchased MAFRA, publisher of prominent newspapers such as Lidové noviny and Mladá fronta DNES, along with operating Óčko television. Additionally, Agrofert owns Radio Impuls, which was the most popular radio station in the Czech Republic as of late 2014. These media acquisitions attracted criticism due to concerns about Babiš’s political intentions and the potential for concentrated media ownership to generate favorable coverage for him.

Early political career

Babiš established the party ANO in 2011 with a platform aimed at addressing corruption and systemic problems within Czech politics. The party emerged as the second-largest force in the 2013 legislative elections, securing 47 out of 200 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Its electoral success was partly credited to strategic consulting provided by the American firm Penn Schoen Berland.

In the coalition government formed by Social Democrats, ANO, and Christian Democrats, Babiš took office as Finance Minister. His tenure saw implementation of measures such as electronic sales registration (EET), reverse VAT charging, and VAT control statements for businesses. Critics contended these reforms imposed stricter regulations on small and medium-sized enterprises while disproportionately benefiting large corporations, notably his own Agrofert holding. Babiš publicly declared his aspiration to become prime minister should ANO lead a future government.

In May 2015, after the government extended reduced taxation on biofuels—a sector largely dominated by companies under Agrofert—the opposition parties proposed a vote of no confidence against the cabinet. Speaking before the Chamber of Deputies on 26 May, Babiš attributed his political involvement to a "corrupted opposition" that "created him," referencing specifically the ODS.

In November 2016, Babiš voiced criticism regarding purported connections among CEFC China Energy, the Czech Social Democratic Party, and Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka. He remarked that CEFC’s emphasis on private Czech enterprises "brings no yield to the Czech Republic."

European migrant crisis

In September 2015, Deputy Prime Minister Babiš urged NATO to intervene against human trafficking in the Mediterranean region. Following consultations with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Babiš remarked that "NATO is not focused on refugees, even though Turkey, a NATO member, serves as the gateway to Europe and traffickers operate within its borders."

Babiš opposed the European Union's refugee quota system, stating: "I will not accept refugee quotas [for the Czech Republic]. ... We must respond to the concerns and anxieties of our citizens. Ensuring the safety of Czech residents is paramount, even if it means facing sanctions." After the 2016 Berlin truck attack, he condemned Angela Merkel's "open-door" immigration approach, attributing it to unchecked migrant inflows into Europe without adequate identification.

2017 government crisis

On 24 May 2017, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka dismissed Andrej Babiš from the government following a month-long coalition dispute. This conflict stemmed from accusations that Babiš evaded taxes during his tenure as CEO of Agrofert in 2012.

Government formation

After the 2017 Czech legislative election, where ANO captured 29% of votes and secured 78 out of 200 parliamentary seats, President Miloš Zeman assigned Andrej Babiš the task of forming a government. With refusals from the Civic Democratic Party and other parties to enter a coalition—largely due to an ongoing criminal probe into alleged EU subsidy fraud—Babiš chose to establish a minority government on 27 October 2017. While both Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia showed willingness to participate, Babiš declined their involvement.

Babiš was designated Prime Minister on 6 December 2017 and officially took office on 13 December. He became the first Czech prime minister facing criminal charges, as well as the oldest and wealthiest in Czech history, and the first leader outside of the ODS and ČSSD. Early in his premiership, he took part in European Council meetings addressing fiscal policy, Brexit negotiations, and migration issues. Additionally, he initiated leadership changes within ministries and state-owned companies such as České dráhy and Správa železnic.

On 16 January 2018, his cabinet was defeated in a no-confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies, with 117 opposing votes against 78 supporting. Nevertheless, his government advanced reforms including submitting the European Fiscal Compact for parliamentary debate and proposing revisions to the Civil Service Act—a contentious law enacted in 2015 during Babiš’s time as Finance Minister.

Despite opposition criticism, Babiš’s administration continued restructuring personnel. Significant dismissals included top positions at University Hospital Ostrava, Bulovka Hospital, CzechInvest, and Czech Post.

On 6 June 2018, President Zeman reappointed Babiš as prime minister. He was sworn in again on 27 June leading a minority coalition formed by ANO and ČSSD. Due to Zeman’s refusal to nominate ČSSD deputy Miroslav Poche as Foreign Minister, Interior Minister Jan Hamáček assumed that portfolio. The coalition agreement signed on 10 July allocated five ministerial posts to ČSSD and ten to ANO. Following Justice Minister Taťána Malá’s resignation amid plagiarism allegations, Jan Kněžínek was appointed as her replacement. On 12 July 2018, Babiš’s government won a confidence vote supported by the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, marking the first post-communist administration relying on Communist confidence and supply until April 2021.

Prime Ministership

During his term as Prime Minister, Babiš took charge of the Government Council for Coordinating the Fight against Corruption, a position typically assigned to a minister. After the resignation of Justice Minister Robert Pelikán, Babiš assumed control of the council himself, prompting opposition parties to raise concerns about a possible conflict of interest. Jan Hamáček defended this arrangement, asserting it was within the Prime Minister’s rights.

In March 2018, in response to the poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal, Babiš expelled three Russian diplomats in solidarity with the United Kingdom. Subsequently, under his administration, the Czech Republic expelled more than 80 Russian diplomats and intelligence operatives due to Russia’s involvement in the 2014 explosions at the Vrbětice ammunition depot. This action intensified diplomatic strains between Prague and Moscow. A Senate investigation criticized the government’s "uncoordinated response," warning it compromised national security and failed to secure NATO’s backing.

In June 2018, when German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the post-World War II expulsion of ethnic Germans from Czechoslovakia as unjustified, Babiš rejected this view, referencing historical atrocities committed by figures such as Reinhard Heydrich.

On 11 November 2018, Babiš represented the Czech Republic at a commemorative event at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris marking 100 years since World War I ended. The ceremony was attended by global leaders including US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Babiš’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic drew widespread criticism for its perceived lack of organization, coinciding with over 35,000 fatalities during his leadership.

He expressed support for the 2020 Belarusian protests, advocating for a re-run of the presidential election and urging a strong European Union stance against President Alexander Lukashenko.

At the 2021 COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, Babiš voiced opposition to the European Green Deal, emphasizing that effective progress requires collaboration from major polluters such as China and the United States.

Following defeat in the 2021 Czech legislative election to Petr Fiala due to insufficient parliamentary support, Babiš conceded. His administration had been marked by tense relations with the European Commission over alleged conflicts of interest related to EU subsidies received by his businesses. His informal alliances with President Miloš Zeman and the Communist Party attracted significant criticism from opposition parties.

Among Babiš’s policy measures were raising the retirement age while simultaneously reducing pensions, increasing child tax allowances and salaries for senior politicians, implementing electronic toll systems on highways, and introducing electronic ID cards to facilitate e-government services. The Czech government recorded an unprecedented budget deficit of 367.4 billion Czech crowns in 2020. By the end of his term, Babiš’s approval rating hovered around 30%.

Storks Nest affair

In November 2018, journalists Sabina Slonková and Jiří Kubík interviewed Andrej Babiš Jr in Switzerland. He alleged that he had been taken against his will to Crimea and held there amid the Stork Nest scandal and claimed he had unknowingly signed documents on behalf of his father. Babiš responded by stating that his son suffered from mental illness, was under medication, and had left the Czech Republic voluntarily.

Following these disclosures, opposition parties demanded Babiš’s resignation. On 15 November, the Senate adopted a resolution declaring Babiš unsuitable for government during the ongoing investigation; however, President Zeman indicated he would reappoint him if the Chamber of Deputies voted to dismiss the government. Babiš declined to step down and survived a no-confidence vote on 23 November thanks to support from Communist deputies and abstentions from ČSSD members.

These events sparked public demonstrations, including a major "Demisi" (Resign) protest on 17 November in Prague organized by "A Million Moments for Democracy." That evening also featured a Concert for the Future on Wenceslas Square, while a smaller pro-Babiš rally took place at Klárov.

Visit to the United States

During the ANO party conference held on 17 February 2019, Babiš secured re-election as chairman with considerable backing. On 7 March 2019, he embarked on his inaugural official trip to the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump at the White House. Babiš emphasized the longstanding alliance between the Czech Republic and the US, also recalling historical connections through T.G. Masaryk’s American spouse.

Their talks included topics such as cybersecurity, potential acquisitions of helicopters for the Czech military, prospective nuclear energy initiatives in the Czech Republic, and the importation of American liquefied natural gas into Europe. Additionally, Babiš appealed to Trump to refrain from imposing tariffs on European automotive imports.

The visit garnered positive reactions from numerous Czech political figures. Petr Fiala, leader of ODS, commended it as a continuation of historical US-Czech relations, while Pirate Party representative Mikuláš Peksa regarded it as a move to prevent trade conflicts between the US and EU. Conversely, Communist opponents criticized Babiš for endorsing sanctions against Russia.

In American media, comparisons were drawn between Babiš and Trump due to their backgrounds as affluent businessmen running nationalist campaigns. Babiš mirrored Trump’s style of communication, even adapting the slogan “Make the Czech Republic great again.” Trump lauded the economic and defense collaboration between the two countries during their meeting.

Anti-government protests

In April 2019, ANO’s Minister of Justice Jan Kněžínek resigned, prompting Babiš to nominate Marie Benešová, who previously served as Minister of Justice under Jiří Rusnok, as his successor. This nomination raised concerns about potential interference in the Stork's Nest case and triggered renewed protests organized by the Million Moments Association. The demonstrations intensified in June following EU audits that confirmed Babiš remained in a conflict of interest despite transferring his Agrofert shares into trust funds, resulting in Agrofert’s disqualification from receiving European subsidies. Organizers estimated that approximately 120,000 people participated in the 4 June protest at Wenceslas Square.

On 3 June, Babiš met with Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Prague to discuss cooperation in economic sectors, education, and healthcare development, while praising her efforts toward democratization. Subsequently, on 23 June, A Million Moments for Democracy held another large-scale protest against Babiš amid ongoing criminal allegations and findings of conflict of interest by EU authorities. Around 250,000 individuals attended this event—the largest demonstration since the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

Dropping of criminal charges

In September 2019, prosecutor Jaroslav Šaroch recommended dismissing charges related to the Stork's Nest case, a position supported by the Prague Public Prosecutor’s Office. Their rationale was that at the time of applying for subsidies, the farm qualified as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), thereby negating any wrongdoing. Prague City Prosecutor Martin Erazim highlighted that even if subsequent judicial interpretations differed, no fault should be attributed to the initial assessment made over a decade earlier. The final decision remained subject to review by Prosecutor General Pavel Zeman.

Another large anti-government rally organized by A Million Moments for Democracy occurred on 16 November 2019, shortly before commemorations marking 30 years since the Velvet Revolution. Police estimated attendance at about 250,000 people, matching the turnout seen in June.

Presidential campaign

After months of uncertainty, on 30 October 2022, Babiš declared his intention to run in the 2023 Czech presidential election. By early January 2023, he was viewed as a leading candidate alongside retired general and former Chair of the NATO Military Committee Petr Pavel. Throughout the campaign, Babiš largely refrained from participating in debates, appearing only once on TV NOVA, where he criticized media coverage as a "spectacle." His standing improved following a Prague Municipal Court decision that cleared him in an EU subsidy fraud case. Ultimately, he secured second place behind Pavel in both election rounds.

During the initial round held on 13–14 January 2023, Babiš garnered 1,952,213 votes (34.99%), advancing to the runoff against Pavel. His campaign for the second round featured billboards proclaiming, "I won't drag Czechia into war. I am a diplomat, not a soldier," which sparked criticism from opposition figures. In a debate on Czech Television on 22 January, Babiš stated he would decline to defend NATO allies if conflict arose, provoking international condemnation. He subsequently clarified on Twitter that he would honor NATO's Article 5 in such circumstances. On 24 January, citing an anonymous threat, he announced the suspension of his remaining campaign events involving direct voter contact.

In the final runoff on 27–28 January, Babiš was defeated with 2,400,271 votes (41.67%). He conceded and expressed hope that Pavel would serve as a president for all citizens while reaffirming his dedication to public service.

After premiership

In April 2024, Babiš described the approval of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact by the government led by Petr Fiala as the "greatest betrayal" in the modern history of the Czech Republic.

Pandora Papers

In October 2021, Babiš appeared in the Pandora Papers revelations for failing to disclose an offshore investment company used to acquire sixteen properties—including two villas in Mougins on the French Riviera—with an estimated value of £18.5 million. According to reports by The Guardian, in 2009 Babiš employed a complex offshore arrangement to transfer funds from the Czech Republic without taxation for these purchases. He denied any illegal activity and suggested that the leak was politically motivated to impact the 2021 Czech legislative election. Analysts observed that this scandal caused him to lose some voter support.

Collaboration with StB

Records from Slovakia’s National Memory Institute indicate that Babiš cooperated with the former Czechoslovak Socialist Republic State Security (StB) under the codename agent Bureš. He has denied these allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit in 2012. Nevertheless, in January 2018, a regional court in Bratislava issued a final and unappealable ruling confirming Babiš’s status as an StB agent.

Twelve separate StB files dated between 1982 and 1985 have been associated with the codename Bureš. While earlier judicial decisions found insufficient proof of deliberate collaboration by Babiš, these were overturned by Slovakia’s Constitutional Court in October 2017, affirming his agent designation. His last appeal was rejected in February 2024.

Critics accuse Babiš of exploiting his connections with both the StB and Communist Party to advance personal gain. Although he denies involvement with these organizations, he maintains close ties with individuals sharing similar backgrounds, such as Libor Široký, who chairs Agrofert’s supervisory board. Observers also point to his alleged endorsement of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and resistance to sanctions as indicators of possible pro-Russian sympathies.

While Babiš publicly condemned Russia’s Crimea annexation in March 2015, US journalist Gabriel Meyr highlighted instances where his policies aligned with Russian interests—such as Czech government loan guarantees extended to Russian firms linked to President Putin and Agrofert’s negotiations for gas purchases from Gazprom subsidiaries.

In February 2016, hundreds gathered at Wenceslas Square protesting against Babiš, accusing him of promoting a gradual agenda aimed at curtailing freedoms within the Czech Republic.

Accusations of EU Subsidy Fraud

Babiš faced allegations of unlawfully securing €2 million in European Union subsidies intended for small enterprises by hiding his ownership of a farm and event venue known as "Stork's Nest" (). In 2017, Czech law enforcement requested the removal of his parliamentary immunity on two occasions; both requests were approved, initiating formal criminal investigations. He was formally charged with fraud and intentional harm to the financial interests of the EU under Czech criminal statutes.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) conducted an inquiry into the matter and submitted its conclusive report to Czech officials on 27 December 2017. OLAF’s findings corroborated the Czech police's conclusion that the fraudulent activity was deliberate. The complete report was made public in January 2018, accompanied by statements emphasizing the importance of transparent disclosure.

By April 2019, law enforcement authorities recommended pressing charges against Babiš for fraud. Subsequently, he appointed a loyalist as Minister of Justice, which triggered widespread protests across the country. These demonstrations peaked in June 2019 with a gathering of approximately 250,000 participants, marking the largest public protest since the Velvet Revolution.

On 9 January 2023, Prague’s municipal court acquitted Babiš of the subsidy fraud allegations. Nevertheless, on 12 April 2023, the State Attorney declared intentions to appeal this verdict. In September 2023, the Prague High Court annulled the acquittal and ordered a new trial, which again resulted in acquittal on 14 February 2024. Later, on 23 June 2025, the High Court once more overturned this decision and mandated another retrial at Prague Municipal Court.

Alleged Abduction of Son

In November 2018, Seznam News broadcast an interview with Andrej Babiš Junior (born 1982), son of Babiš, who claimed he had been abducted by one of his father’s associates to impede a corruption investigation tied to the Stork's Nest Farm case. According to Babiš Junior, he was detained in multiple locations including Crimea, Kaliningrad, Moscow, and Kryvyi Rih to prevent his testimony. Prime Minister Babiš refuted claims of kidnapping but acknowledged his son had traveled to these areas and mentioned a purported diagnosis of schizophrenia. Babiš Junior later contested this diagnosis and stated he no longer uses medication, though no medical documentation was provided.

Alliance with Zeman

Babiš has maintained a close association with President Miloš Zeman since at least 2001 when Zeman served as prime minister. This relationship reportedly facilitated advantages for Babiš’s business ventures. In that year, Zeman supervised efforts to sell the state-owned chemical enterprise Unipetrol to Babiš; although Babiš withdrew from this initial bid, he subsequently orchestrated its sale to a Polish company. Reports from Poland alleged significant bribery connected to this transaction, which Babiš denied. The Unipetrol deal is frequently cited as evidence of a longstanding collaboration between Babiš and Zeman.

Conflict of Interest Issues

Criticism arose from media outlets and opposition figures accusing Babiš of a conflict of interest during his tenure as Minister of Finance while simultaneously owning businesses that received EU subsidies. In March 2014, German Member of the European Parliament Ingeborg Gräßle voiced apprehensions that Babiš’s dual capacity compromised the impartial allocation of EU funds. A Politico article published in 2014 highlighted the irony of a society opposing corruption empowering an individual with notable conflicts of interest within post-1989 Czech political history.

In May 2015, allegations concerning financial misconduct and preferential treatment in public procurement led opposition parties to propose a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka’s government; however, this motion was defeated with a tally of 47 votes in favor and 105 against.

An audit conducted by the European Union identified 22 irregularities and advised repayment totaling €17.49 million. The audit concluded that Babiš’s involvement in decisions regarding EU fund distribution constituted a conflict of interest.

Intimidation

Babiš is recognized for surrounding himself with high-ranking police officials, security personnel, and individuals formerly involved as Communist informants.

In June 2015, a dispute emerged when Social Democrat MP Ladislav Šincl publicly criticized a Finance Ministry policy adjustment that appeared to favor Babiš’s commercial interests. Babiš confronted Šincl directly, accusing him of corruption and bribery connected to businessman Ivo Valenta. Eyewitnesses reported that Babiš presented a folder marked with Šincl’s name and launched a forceful verbal attack, including personal attacks related to Šincl’s family and previous employment history.

Although Babiš later acknowledged possessing the folder, he denied any intent to intimidate, claiming the contents consisted solely of media reports. His coalition allies demanded an apology, which Babiš refused to issue, citing Šincl’s purported dishonesty in parliament as justification. This incident prompted Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka to call a coalition meeting to address the situation.

Šincl likened Babiš’s approach to tactics used by the former StB secret police. Similarly, opposition deputy chairman Miroslav Kalousek accused Babiš of employing methods reminiscent of the StB, which Babiš denied.

MF Dnes leaked tapes

On 1 May 2017, a Twitter account named @skupinasuman published an audio recording capturing private conversations of Babiš, in which he insulted Foreign Minister Lubomír Zaorálek and investigative journalist Sabina Slonková. Shortly after, on 3 May 2017, a video posted on YouTube alleged that Babiš interfered with the editorial independence of Mladá fronta DNES, the most widely circulated quality newspaper owned by his trust. In discussions with MF Dnes journalist Marek Přibil, Babiš talked about strategically timing the release of damaging reports concerning Interior Minister Milan Chovanec and Health Minister Miloslav Ludvík, instructing Přibil to collaborate with František Nachtigall, director of strategic development, on how and when to publish these stories.

Comments about Lety concentration camp

During a visit on 1 September 2016 to Varnsdorf, a city known for its substantial Romani community, Babiš asserted that the Lety camp was not a concentration camp but rather a labor camp, adding that those who did not work were sent there. These remarks provoked strong condemnation from coalition partners and opposition parliamentarians who demanded his resignation. Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka denounced the comments and called upon Babiš to visit the site of the camp himself.

Minister for Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Jiří Dienstbier called for Babiš’s resignation from both his roles as Finance Minister and First Deputy Prime Minister. Opposition leaders Petr Fiala (ODS) and Miroslav Kalousek (TOP 09) also urged him to step down.

2023 Conservative Political Action Conference

In May 2023, Babiš participated in the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Hungary, where he was characterized as a "conservative leader." His attendance sparked criticism from members of Renew Europe and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party, both of which include ANO among their affiliates.

Media criticism

Foreign Policy magazine coined the nickname Babisconi for Babiš, combining his name with that of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who is infamous for political and financial controversies. Although Babiš threatened to take legal measures, he never followed through.

In August 2015, the Swiss publication L'Hebdo analyzed the trend of Czech oligarchs acquiring financially struggling media outlets, with particular attention to Babiš’s takeover of Czech media companies. The piece challenged his assertion that the purchase of Mladá fronta DNES was a profit-motivated investment despite its losses and accused journalists working for his newspapers of promoting his personal agenda.

Adam Drda, writing for Politico, associated Babiš closely with the decline of democratic standards in the Czech Republic.

In 2013, Babiš was awarded the Green Pearl prize due to a comment he made that expressed skepticism toward environmental activism and democratic institutions, reflecting an anti-ecological stance.

Personal life

Babiš lives in Průhonice, where he constructed a high-end villa in 2004 and holds ownership of several additional properties.

His first marriage was to Beata (later Beatrice) Adamičová, a medical doctor, during the 1970s. Together they had two children: Adriana (born 1979) and Andrej (born 1982), both connected to the Stork's Nest case. Since 2007, Adriana has been married to Martin Bobek, a manager at Agrofert.

From the 1990s onwards, Babiš has been in a relationship with Monika Herodesová (born 1974), a former secretary, with whom he has two children named Vivien and Frederik. Both Monika and her brother Martin Herodes were implicated in the Stork's Nest investigation.

Monika adopted the surname Babišová in 2013, and the couple formalized their union through marriage in 2017. They announced their separation in April 2024.

Babiš holds citizenship in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He obtained Czech citizenship via declaration in 2000 while retaining Slovak citizenship by descent. He consistently identifies himself as Czech. During his 2023 presidential campaign, he explicitly stated: "I'm not a Slovak, I'm a Czech."

In 2019, Babiš described himself as spiritual but not religious, citing inspiration from the cosmos. However, during the 2023 Czech presidential election, he portrayed himself as an occasional church attendee devoted to the Infant Jesus of Prague. These assertions were met with skepticism by commentators who suggested they were part of a strategy aimed at appealing to religious voters.

External links

• Official blog
• Government website Curriculum Vitae
• Curriculum Vitae on the ANO party site

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