Criminal investigators have charged Margita Balaštíková, a former member of the Chamber of Deputies for the ANO movement, over suspicion of improperly influencing inspections carried out by the regional hygiene station in Zlín. Czech Television reported this on the evening of 30 October 2026.[1][2]

Prosecution

According to Czech Television, police are prosecuting three people in the case, suspected of abuse of power by a public official and of favouritism. The prosecution of the three people was confirmed to the Czech News Agency by Šárka Trnková, spokeswoman for the Zlín police. Balaštíková has repeatedly denied the accusations. On the day the news broke, the Czech News Agency attempted to obtain her comment.[1][2]

Background

In the summer of 2025, Seznam Zprávy published recordings suggesting that Balaštíková had used her influence over the management of the hygiene station to get its staff to start inspections at her former husband's company. Balaštíková called the recordings a forgery. After the information was published, the ANO movement removed her from its candidate list for the Chamber of Deputies elections, and Balaštíková announced that she would suspend her membership in the movement.[2]

Sources

  1. ČT24 — 30 October 2026
  2. ČTK / České noviny — 30 October 2026