Babiš: Conflict of interest bill could threaten future of government

The deputy prime minister and finance minister, Andrej Babiš of ANO, has raised questions about the future of the government if the other coalition partners vote to rein in powerful businesspeople in cabinet positions. Mr. Babiš, owner of the huge Agrofert group, said a bill on conflict of interest solved nothing. An opposition amendment which would bar firms more than 10-percent owned by ministers from taking part in tenders would directly hit the finance minister’s business. Coalition partners the Christian Democrats say they will back the move in a vote this week, while leaders the Social Democrats are considering it. Mr. Babiš said neither party objected to his activities when they entered government together.

Author: Ian Willoughby