Andrej Babis Apologizes After Picking Flowers in Protected Area: I Am Ready to Pay the Fine

Andrej Babis has publicly apologized after picking several flowers in a protected area on Lysá Hora mountain in the eastern Czech Republic. The Czech prime minister said that if the authorities determine he broke the law, he is prepared to pay the fine.

In a video posted on Facebook, Babis explained that he had picked the flowers to pay tribute to a late colleague from his ANO political movement, with whom he had previously climbed the mountain.

“Perhaps I broke a law, for which I apologize. And of course, if necessary, I will definitely pay the fine,” the Czech prime minister said.

In the footage, Babis is seen walking toward the summit with a small bouquet in his hands, which he later placed beside a monument.

During the climb, he was accompanied by two ministers, ANO representatives and his supporters. The summit stands 1,324 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids mountain range.

Despite the incident and his apology, Babis is not expected to face serious legal consequences.

An environmental specialist employed by an organization overseen by the Czech Environment Ministry told local media outlet iDNES that the prime minister had picked two common plant species, Chamaenerion angustifolium and Senecio ovatus.

The expert, whose identity was not made public, said the likelihood of Babis being penalized for the act was extremely low.

“These are completely ordinary flowers. There is absolutely no problem, even in a national park,” he said.

Consequently, although the Czech prime minister publicly expressed regret and confirmed that he would pay a fine if necessary, the incident does not appear likely to result in significant legal consequences.