Lower house passes “anti-Babiš” conflict of interest law

The Czech lower house has passed a conflict of interest law. In addition to a previous provision preventing government members from owing media outlets, the version of the bill approved on Tuesday bars their companies from applying for subsidies or taking part in public tender processes. Deputies from ANO opposed the legislation, which they says is targeted at the party’s chairman Andrej Babiš; his Agrofert is one of the country’s biggest companies and owns major media outlets. Mr. Babiš has signalled that he will take the matter to the Constitutional Court.

Author: Ian Willoughby