A Czech government crisis began in May 2017, as a result of suspicions that the Minister of Finance, Andrej Babiš, also the leader of ANO 2011, a partner in the ruling coalition, had evaded taxes related to his business activities.
"[4] Lubomír Zaorálek and Milan Chovanec (both ČSSD) were mentioned as possible replacements for Sobotka as prime minister.
Petr Fiala, leader of ODS, called for a snap election, and stated that Sobotka's decision would only deepen the crisis.
[9] Zeman announced on 8 May 2017 that he would not accept Babiš's removal from the government yet, and would make a final decision on his return from China.
Sobotka was unable to participate as he had gone to Luxembourg on 10 May, but Zeman met Chovanec, Babiš and Pavel Bělobrádek.