Babis Is Running Out of Options in Czech Coalition Talks
- Mainstream parties are opposed to ruling in cabinet with Babis
- Minority government could be formed if resistance continues
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Czech billionaire Andrej Babis is running out of options to form a majority government, edging closer to minority rule if he sticks to his pledge not to team up with extremist forces.
The second-richest Czech, owner of a chemicals, food and media empire with a fortune estimated at $4 billion, has met resistance from mainstream parties in initial rounds of talks after his ANO movement took 78 of parliament’s 200 seats in the weekend elections. Babis has about a month for more negotiations before a fragmented legislature convenes for its inaugural session on Nov. 20.