Andrej Babiš Sworn In as Czech Prime Minister

Andrej Babiš was sworn in as prime minister of the Czech Republic on Tuesday, marking his return to the office he held from 2017 to 2021 following his party's victory in October's parliamentary elections. The 71-year-old leader of the ANO movement formed a coalition government with two smaller parties after falling short of a majority, positioning the Central European nation of 10.9 million people for potential shifts in foreign and domestic policy.

President Petr Pavel administered the oath at Prague Castle, confirming Babiš's appointment after he agreed to address conflicts of interest tied to his business holdings. Babiš, a billionaire with an economics degree who built his fortune through the Agrofert conglomerate spanning food and chemicals, placed the company under independent administration to separate his private interests from governance. Pavel noted the move satisfied preconditions and emphasized the need for the new government to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape while upholding ties to the European Union and NATO.

The coalition, comprising ANO, the Freedom and Direct Democracy party, and Motorists for Themselves, controls 108 seats in the 200-seat lower house...