On Sunday, thousands of Czechs gathered in Prague to protest a government initiative led by far-right billionaire Andrej Babiš to overhaul the funding structure of public broadcasters. Many saw the initiative as a potential threat to media independence. Turnout was substantial, with attendees spilling from the historic Old Town Square into adjacent streets.
The ruling coalition intensified public discontent by advancing this plan in the lower house of Parliament just two days prior, without adequate opportunity for opposition debate. Government coalition lawmakers hastily opened discussions and limited debate time before voting to approve the draft in the first of three parliamentary readings at 4:36 a.m. Demonstrators expressed their concerns through chants such as “We’ve had enough” and “This must not be allowed to pass.”
The government coalition consists of two far-right parties, Babiš’ ANO and Motorists, and the right-wing extremist Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD).
Mikuláš Minář, a prominent organiser from the Million Moments for Democracy movement, articulated the protesters’ sentiments, saying, “You’ve gone too far; we won’t allow this country to be compromised.”
The protesters are calling for the draft’s withdrawal and urging Babiš to facilitate a thorough public debate on the issue.
The proposed funding model would shift public radio and television financing from individual and business fees to the state budget, potentially cutting funding by 15%. Critics contend that this shift could let the ruling coalition exert greater control over media narratives, mirroring actions by national-populist and far-right governments in Slovakia and Hungary.
Babiš and his associates have a documented history of criticising public and established media outlets. In response to the proposed changes, public media staff members have announced plans to strike on 3 November, with support from labour unions, university rectors, religious institutions, and various international media organisations.
The protesters have also committed to organising a rally at Letná Park in Prague on 15 November, just two days before the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which marked the end of over 40 years of totalitarian rule.
Babiš formed his governing coalition last year, aiming to reduce support for Ukraine and reject certain key European Union policies.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
