“It is part of a storm in a glass of water that we are currently watching,” said political scientist Lukáš Jelínek regarding Babiš’s latest statements. Babiš on Instagram in his answers to citizens talked about his solution to the conflict of interests that he would get into as prime minister and at the same time owner of Agrofert. “It is an irreversible step and I cannot afford to take irreversible steps if I am not sure that I will be prime minister,” he declared. So far, however, he has not said anywhere what specific solution he has chosen.
However, according to Jelínek, the situation is clear: President Petr Pavel agreed to appoint Babiš after he publicly presents a solution to the conflict of interests, Babiš in turn agreed to do so. “Our lawyers are looking into it, but it should be that I publish the solution just before I (president Petr Pavel – editor’s note) appoints the prime minister,” said the head of the ANO movement on Thursday evening.
“Such an exchange of who should take which step first is unnecessary in my opinion,” said Jelínek. Before the appointment, Babiš can only present the solution, he can only take the actual steps after it. After all, this is how he said it himself in another reply on Instagram. “As soon as Mr. President appoints me, he (conflict of interests – note red.) I will solve. Don’t you know when it will be?’ Babiš asked rhetorically.
According to political scientist Michal Maly from the Faculty of Social Sciences of Charles University, it is precisely Babiš who is playing for time. According to him, Babiš first wants to vote on whether or not to extradite him for criminal prosecution, only then does he want to deal with the government and possible problems with Motorist candidate Filip Turk.
“That’s the reason why the intensity of negotiations is suddenly less, we don’t learn about staffing. Babiš and his politicians throw smoke screens, whether it’s the tussle around the election of deputy speakers of the House of Representatives, or the election of committee chairmen,” said Malý.
