Czech Parliament limits business of government members

PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech Parliament's lower chamber has approved legislation that limits the business activities of future government ministers.

In a 135-39 vote on Wednesday, coalition and opposition lawmakers agreed to ban ministers from owning media. They have also barred companies where ministers have more than a 25-percent stake from receiving state subsidies, taking part in public tenders and accessing investment aid.

The ANO (YES) movement led by Finance Minister Andrej Babis voted against the law. It accused its coalition partners, the Social Democrats and Christian Democrats, of attacking Babis, who owns two major newspapers and conglomerate Agrofert, which receives subsidies.

ANO is considering whether to take legal action, but isn't planning to leave the government.

The bill still needs Senate and presidential approval.