Babiš wants to become president because the government does little to help the people
Update: 31/10/2022 13:26
Issued by: 31/10/2022, 13:20
Prague – The leader of the ANO opposition movement and former prime minister Andrej Babiš wants to use the office of the president because, according to him, the government does little to help the people. There is a risk that the next head of state will otherwise be in the hands of the cabinet, while he is supposed to be for all citizens, he said at today’s press conference to officially announce his candidacy. Today, the presidium supports Babiš’s candidacy of the movement. He announced his intention to run for the post of president on Sunday. The 68-year-old politician and one of the richest Czechs is now on trial in the case of subsidy fraud during the construction of the Čapí hnízdo complex.
During the approximately ten-minute announcement today, the majority of the ANO presidency stood behind Babiš. For example, Moravian-Silesian governor Ivo Vondrák was absent, but according to ČTK information, due to work obligations. Together with Babiš, his wife Monika came to the stage with the sign “He helps people, that’s why Babiš”. Other inscriptions in the background described the ex-prime minister as an experienced politician, a crisis manager who does not give in to the powerful, is proactive and fights for the Czechia.
According to Babiš, people should not think that the president cannot do anything and that it is only a representative role. According to him, each of the previous heads of state had a huge influence. Among the powers, he mentioned the ability to veto laws, the appointment of the management of the Czech National Bank and a crucial say in the appointment of ambassadors, the ability to participate in the meetings of the government and Parliament, or the fact that the president can push the government to act, work and take care of people.
“Now more than ever, people need hope, a person with a clear plan and vision, a person who will be independent, who no one can buy or corrupt, and who will not be afraid of the powerful. A person who will fiercely defend Czech interests and our citizens.” Babiš also said.
The President of ANO announced his intention to run for the post of President of the Republic on Sunday evening on Nova TV. The first round of the election will be held on January 13 and 14, the second two weeks later. According to the latest polls, the strongest background is enjoyed by the army general and former head of the NATO military committee, Petr Pavel. Along with Babiš, the former rector of the Mendel University, Danuše Nerudová, would possibly belong to his most serious rivals.