Czech politics hits a familiar crossroads today, March 5, 2026, as the Chamber of Deputies decides whether to strip Prime Minister Andrej Babiš of his legal immunity. This marks the fourth time in nearly a decade that the “Stork’s Nest” subsidy case has forced a parliamentary vote.
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At the heart of the matter is a $2 million (€2 million) EU subsidy granted nearly 20 years ago. The prosecution argues Babiš manipulated the ownership of the Stork’s Nest resort to make a large conglomerate (Agrofert) look like a small business entitled to EU funds.
While Babiš has seen two acquittals in the past, the High Court’s recent intervention—overturning those acquittals and demanding a retrial—has pushed the legal battle into a higher gear.
Why This Time is Different
The political math has changed significantly since the last immunity vote:
- The Majority Shield: Babiš is no longer the underdog. His ANO-led coalition holds 108 of the 200 seats.
- Committee Support: The Mandate and Immunity Committee has already recommended against lifting his immunity, signaling that the governing parties intend to block the trial from moving forward during his current term.
- The “Political Persecution” Narrative: Babiš has leaned into the claim that the case is a “permanent campaign” against him, moving away from his previous stance of allowing the trial to proceed to clear his name.
What’s at Stake?
- For Babiš: A vote in his favor effectively freezes the criminal trial until his term ends or he is no longer a deputy.
- For the Czech Judiciary: A “no” vote would be seen by critics as a blow to the principle that no one is above the law, potentially straining relations with EU anti-fraud investigators.
