Czech news in brief for November 19: Wednesday's top morning headlines

President Petr Pavel reiterated that ANO leader Andrej Babiš must publicly clarify how he will resolve his conflict of interest before assuming the Czech premiership. Babiš’ ownership of the Agrofert holding could trigger serious conflicts, Pavel said, potentially prompting EU subsidy suspensions. Pavel emphasized that his constitutional duty requires considering conflicts of interest when appointing the prime minister or ministers, noting the heightened concerns compared to Babiš’ first term.

Ukrainian arms company UkrOboronProm has partnered with Czech firm Air Team to jointly develop and produce fighter drones, company head Herman Smetanin said on Telegram. The drones are designed to intercept Russian drones attacking Ukraine. Smetanin called the Czech Republic a “strategic partner” and thanked collaborators for their support. Ukraine has increasingly used drones in its defense, with mass production of fighter drones recently announced by Defense Minister Denys Šmyhal.

The Prague Congress Centre supervisory board is expected to approve the construction of a new hall at the end of November, councilor Zdeněk Kovářík said. The board was recently restructured after Prague acquired full ownership from the state. The new hall, already permitted with a supplier selected, will expand space for large events, including medical congresses. Kovářík said the project is key for competitiveness in major trade fairs.

The Prague Stock Exchange slipped today, with the PX index down 1.45 percent to 2,444.90 points amid high trading volume of roughly CZK 900 million. Shares of Erste Bank and Komerční banka led losses, falling 3.31 percent and 2.34 percent, respectively. Insurance firm VIG also declined 2.01 percent. Broker Hoang Long Le of Wood & Company said the decline followed trends in Western European and global markets. Moneta Money Bank rose slightly, up 0.1 percent.

By the end of the week, ANO leader Andrej Babiš said coalition partners from SPD and the Motorists party will provide a final list of ministerial candidates, which he plans to submit to President Petr Pavel next week. The president will hold consultations with the nominees before expecting Babiš to publicly clarify how he will resolve his Agrofert conflict of interest. Pavel said he is then ready to appoint Babiš within a week.