 "Andrej Babis takes charge as the Prime Minister of Czech Republic")
Czech President Petr Pavel appointed billionaire leader of the populist ANO party Andrej Babis as the new prime minister on Tuesday in a ceremony shown live on television.
Babis is considered a supporter of US President Donald Trump who returned to power on Tuesday. His ANO movement, which won October parliamentary elections, teamed up with two eurosceptic parties to form a coalition government.
During his election campaign, Babis vowed to curb aid to Ukraine in the Russian invasion of Ukraine from 2022.
In its policy statement, the coalition said the EU had “its limits” and no right to impose decisions infringing on the sovereignty of member states.
Governed EU and NATO member
President Petr Pavel appointed the 71-year-old, who governed the EU and NATO member of 10.9 million people from 2017 to 2021.
“I promise all citizens of the Czech Republic to fight for their interests at home and abroad,” said Babis, who has described himself as “Trumpist” in the past.
Battled allegations
Throughout his political life, Babis continuously fought against the interest allegations over his roles in business and politics, drawing mass protests during his earlier term.
Thousands rallied against Babis last month on the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that toppled communism in the former Czechoslovakia.
7th wealthiest Czech
Slovak-born, Babis is the seventh wealthiest Czech according to Forbes magazine. He made his fortune as the owner of the sprawling food and chemicals holding Agrofert and other companies.
Pavel urged Babis to resolve the conflict of interest before he is appointed as the Prime Minister and remove every allegation before taking charge.
He did not disclose details, sparking speculation about the move, but Pavel said he was happy with the explanation and promised to appoint him.
Educational background
Babis holds an economics degree and entered into politics with his ANO party in 2011. Taking up the charge of finance minister from 2014 to 2017. He was removed from his position after leaked recordings showed he had influenced reporters working for his newspapers, which he has since sold.
In 2023, he lost a presidential run-off vote to Pavel.
(With inputs from agencies)
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