Pavel Bém, the former mayor of Prague and member of the opposition ODS party, is making a political comeback by aligning with Andrej Babiš and planning to run for mayor under the ANO party banner. Initially, Bém assisted Babiš in drafting a government program focused on drug policy and mental health, which marks a significant shift in his political affiliations as he prepares for another political battle in Prague.

Bém's return to politics comes after a fall from grace in 2012 when leaked recordings revealed him discussing municipal political strategies and public contracts with lobbyist Roman Janoušek. The scandal forced Bém to withdraw from the political scene for years, during which he dedicated himself to his medical career as a leading doctor at a family therapy center affiliated with a major hospital in Prague.

Now, with Bém's shift towards the ANO party, there are implications for Prague's political landscape, especially as he aims for the mayoral position once again. His comeback may resonate with constituents, but it also raises questions about the impact of past controversies on his current campaign and the dynamics within local politics, particularly related to the ongoing influence of lobbying in city governance.