Czech Television announced on 30 October 2026 that criminal investigators had charged former ANO movement member of parliament Margita Balaštíková in connection with suspected influencing of inspections at the regional hygiene station in Zlín [1][2]. According to Czech Television, Balaštíková has repeatedly denied the allegations [1][2].
According to Czech Television, police are prosecuting three people in the case on suspicion of abuse of power by a public official and of favouritism. The prosecution of the three individuals was confirmed to the Czech News Agency by Zlín police spokeswoman Šárka Trnková [1][2].
Background
In the summer of 2025, Seznam Zprávy published recordings of Balaštíková and reported that she had used her influence over the management of the hygiene station to get its staff to inspect a company owned by her former husband. Balaštíková called the recordings fabricated. The ANO movement subsequently removed her from its candidate list for the parliamentary elections, and she announced she would suspend her membership in the movement [2]. According to Seznam Zprávy, the recordings were secretly made in 2023 at Balaštíková's home by her former husband following a series of conflicts between the couple. In one of them, Balaštíková reportedly plans to "crack down" on the company ChemProgres and tasks the director of the Zlín hygiene station, Eva Sedláčková, with carrying this out. [2]
Sources
- ČT24 — 30 October 2026
- ČTK / České noviny — 30 October 2026