UPDATE 1-Czech opposition parties to challenge PM Babis in no-confidence vote

Opposition parties said they will call a vote of no-confidence in Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis's government over alleged conflicts of interest, although they lack enough votes to win.

The five parties will submit their request on Friday for a special session of parliament, party leaders said at a news conference on Tuesday. "This government, with this prime minister, has been tarnishing Czech Republic's reputation both home and abroad, therefore we deem this step a moral and political gesture," said Marek Vyborny, chairman of the Christian Democrats.

Babis has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations a political manoeuvre. The European Commission has determined that Babis is in a conflict of interest because of his business empire placed in trust funds, and the country may lose some EU funding as a result.

The billionaire-turned-politician is also facing strong protests over possible meddling with a criminal case in which the police recommended he face trial over a 2 million euro EU subsidy for a farm and convention centre. With the support of the Communist party, Babis' minority government controls 108 votes in the 200-member lower house of parliament. To pass a no-confidence motion, the opposition needs 101 votes.

The lower house speaker can summon a no-confidence vote once he receives an official request. No date has yet been proposed.