First published in Respekt.

The veteran prime minister battles both the clock and what he sees as an elite plot.

Besides steering the government, Andrej Babiš channels real energy into managing his physical condition. Cabinet members increasingly hear him declare he intends to remain active until age 120, then watch him detail the steps he takes. Not long ago he informed them he had purchased a six-month course of cholesterol-lowering shots for 21,000 Czech crowns.

He also states his wish to stay in power indefinitely in public. On his program Sorry jako he recently announced plans to win elections in 2029, 2033 and 2037. Success would make him prime minister at 82. Already the oldest head of government since Czechoslovakia began, Babiš appears determined to shape history, a vision shared by those now closest to him.

A modestly improved world

Attendees at medical conferences on serious illness or wellness often notice the same high-profile visitor. Babiš regularly appears, records advice on bodily care and notes advanced tools for conditions such as cancer. He later consults specialists privately and later cites these findings when speaking with voters or the media, always stressing prevention until the next medical advance draws his interest. Health and longevity now dominate his conversations.

He pursues these aims through daily workouts, herbal drinks and a smartwatch that tracks activity and nutrition. After returning to office last December he introduced a color-coded meal system at the government building, with red labels for less healthy options and green for balanced choices.

During an April break in the Maldives he displayed the book Young Forever by longevity advocate Dr Mark Hyman. Its core message is that biological age can be altered through diet, habits and science. In a video he highlighted the importance of purpose and mission, noting that altruism activates the brain similarly to certain substances yet remains safe and constructive. He urged viewers to help create a modestly better world.

Those who meet Babiš in private sessions describe a stark contrast to his public image. Warmth gives way to accusations of idleness or graft, sharp criticism and insults. Recently displeased with a military plan, he directed strong language at Defence Minister Jaromir Zuna and attending generals.

Long-time observers note a fresh element in his approach. One participant recalled Babiš entering a meeting and immediately accusing the group of forming part of the deep state. Such claims now occur more often and steer his political direction.

Pursuing every opponent

During his first term Babiš frequently attacked the post-November cartel of parties and scandals. Since regaining power last year his language has grown more conspiratorial. In March he told Parlamentni listy that a Czech deep state comprising commentators, journalists, NGOs, officials and public figures formed a coordinated adversary.

He portrays this as a hidden network that truly controls events, echoing theories popularized by former US President Donald Trump. When asked by Respekt to define the term he replied that the magazine itself belonged to the Respekt sect. Today the label covers NGOs, opposition parties, journalists, civil servants and government critics.

A government-office source said Babiš views these groups as obstacles and seeks to limit their influence. He therefore created a new advisory post filled by Natalie Vachatova of the Society for the Defence of Freedom of Speech. He defended the choice by noting her grasp of the supposed deep state and foreign funding flows.

Vachatova draws concern for downplaying Russian risks and for her drive to identify and defund perceived adversaries, even when their work serves the public. Such moves threaten long-standing cooperation among ministries, agencies and nonprofits that has produced broad societal gains through negotiated compromises.

In Babiš current outlook, civil society opposes him through louder protests. Critics object to his inclusion of the pro-Russian SPD and outspoken Motorists in the cabinet, reduced support for Ukraine, efforts to influence public media, erratic handling of human-rights policy, unresolved conflicts of interest flagged by the EU and retention of a regionally controversial minister. These issues increasingly complicate his leadership.