The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) will investigate the Czech prime minister, Andrej Babiš, for alleged criminal financial offences.
Agrofert is an agrochemical conglomerate founded by Babiš which receives European Union agricultural subsidies. In the past this has led to suspected ‘conflicts of interest,’ both within Czechia and more widely. Babiš placed Agrofert in trust funds during his previous premiership to avoid such controversies, although the European Commission remained suspicious.
It now transpires that European Delegated Prosecutor Daniela Bártíková formally opened criminal proceedings against Babiš on May 24th, based on the view that the EU’s financial interests had been compromised. An EPPO representative said
No further information can be disclosed at this stage, in order not to endanger the outcome of the ongoing proceedings.
The opening of the investigation is not formally being treated as proof of Babiš’ guilt. The PM also enjoys parliamentary immunity as a member of the Czech parliament. Previously, Brussels’ critics have noted the extent to which such investigations tend to be biased against socially conservative and sovereigntist voices within EU institutions.
