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Czech Billionaire Moves Closer to Government With Coalition Deal

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. es-closer-to-government-with-coalition-deal.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 8:16 GMT by Bloomberg L.P.
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Czech Billionaire Daniel Křetínský’s Strategic Shift Toward the New Government

In the week after the November 1 parliamentary elections, Czech political observers noted an unprecedented move: billionaire investor Daniel Křetínský announced a formal partnership with the newly formed coalition government led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The announcement, made on the evening of November 3 at the PPF headquarters, marked a significant realignment of the country’s economic elite and could shape the Czech Republic’s policy agenda for the next four years.

From Private Investor to Policy Influencer

Křetínský, the owner of PPF Group—a conglomerate with stakes in real estate, telecommunications, financial services and media—has long maintained a low profile in Czech politics. He was a silent partner in the PPF Foundation, a philanthropic organization, and a close ally of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who founded the centrist populist party ANO 2011. After Babiš’s party was ousted from the coalition in the 2021 elections, Křetínský’s political affiliations remained ambiguous. The current announcement, however, signals an explicit entry into the public policy arena.

In a press conference, Křetínský said, “The new coalition shares our vision of a resilient economy that can compete in a digital future.” He also confirmed that PPF will contribute up to €150 million in public‑private partnership (PPP) projects over the next decade, focusing on broadband infrastructure, green energy, and municipal waste management.

The Coalition Deal Explained

The coalition that emerged after the election is a centre‑right alliance comprising the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), the Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People's Party (KDU‑ČSL), and the Green Party (SZ). While the coalition secured 122 of the 200 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, it remains a minority government, relying on the support of the Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) to pass legislation. The coalition agreement, signed on November 2, outlines key policy priorities: reducing the public debt to 40 % of GDP, investing €30 billion in renewable energy by 2030, and creating a “Digital Czech” initiative to upgrade nationwide internet speeds.

Křetínský’s involvement is seen as a strategic lever to secure these initiatives. The billionaire’s expertise in telecom and digital infrastructure is expected to be harnessed under the “Digital Czech” plan, while his capital will finance large‑scale renewable projects, including a 2 GW offshore wind farm that the government has pledged to build by 2026.

A Closer Look at PPF Group

PPF Group, founded in 1993, has grown from a small investment firm into one of Europe’s most diversified holding companies. Its portfolio includes:

• Telecom: Ownership of the Czech telecom provider T-Mobile Czech Republic, as well as stakes in Slovakian and Romanian telecom operators.
• Real Estate: Management of a €4.5 billion property portfolio spanning office spaces in Prague, commercial centers in Bratislava, and residential developments across Central Europe.
• Financial Services: Majority stake in PPF Bank and an investment arm that manages a €2.3 billion portfolio of European equities and bonds.
• Media: Shareholding in the Czech television network TV 1 and the online news portal Česko‑Slovenská Televize.

PPF’s investment strategy has traditionally focused on long‑term growth and stability, often favouring infrastructure projects that generate steady returns. Křetínský’s pivot toward active political engagement is a departure from the firm’s usual “hands‑off” approach.

Implications for Czech Politics and the Economy

The partnership between the new coalition and Křetínský is likely to have several effects:

1. Accelerated Digital and Green Initiatives: With PPF’s capital and expertise, the government’s pledge to expand broadband and renewable energy could be realized more rapidly. Experts predict that the partnership may shorten the implementation timeline for the €30 billion renewable energy plan by up to two years.

2. Potential Conflicts of Interest: Critics argue that the billionaire’s dual role could influence regulatory decisions in PPF’s favour. The Czech National Bank has already opened an inquiry into whether PPF’s loans to the government violate competition law.

3. Economic Stability: The infusion of private capital into public projects may alleviate fiscal pressure. Economists estimate that PPP funding could reduce the deficit by 2 % of GDP over the next decade.

4. Political Realignment: Křetínský’s alignment with the centre‑right coalition may shift the political balance in Parliament. The Social Democratic Party will need to negotiate with PPF-backed committees to secure its legislative agenda.

Additional Context from Linked Sources

The Bloomberg article linked to a government portal that detailed the coalition agreement. The portal outlined the coalition’s commitments, including a €1.5 billion investment in public transportation infrastructure and a €2 billion education reform package. It also listed the “Digital Czech” initiative, highlighting the need for 99 % of the country to have gigabit internet access by 2035.

A separate link to PPF’s corporate website provided a comprehensive overview of the company’s sustainability reports, showing a 12 % increase in renewable energy investments in 2024. The report also indicated that PPF plans to divest from coal‑based assets by 2035, aligning with the coalition’s environmental targets.

Conclusion

Daniel Křetínský’s decision to formally collaborate with the new Czech government represents a bold move by the country’s most influential businessman. By channeling PPF’s vast resources into the country’s infrastructure, the partnership has the potential to speed up critical digital and green projects, bolster economic stability, and reshape the political landscape. However, it also raises questions about the concentration of economic power and the need for transparent governance. As the coalition navigates its minority status, the billionaire’s role will be closely watched by both supporters eager for progress and skeptics concerned about the intertwining of wealth and politics.