Thousands Protest in Prague Over Public Media Funding Overhaul

Thousands of Czechs gathered in Prague on Sunday to protest a government plan to overhaul the funding for public broadcasters, a move critics argue could jeopardize their independence. The demonstration grew larger than the capacity of the Old Town Square, spilling into adjacent streets.

The ruling coalition advanced the plan in the lower house of Parliament on Friday, a move that angered protesters. Coalition lawmakers initiated debate and limited opposition participation before voting to approve the draft in its first parliamentary reading at 4:36 a.m. Demonstrators chanted slogans including "We've had enough," "This must not be allowed to pass," and "4:36," referencing the early morning vote.

Mikuláš Minář, a key organizer from the Million Moments for Democracy group, stated, "You’ve gone too far, we won’t let this country be destroyed. It is mafia syndicates or the Soviet Politburo who make decisions at 4:36." The protesters called for the withdrawal of the draft legislation and urged Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to facilitate a comprehensive public discussion on the matter.

The proposed legislation would shift public radio and television funding from regular fees paid by individuals, households, and businesses to the state budget. This change is expected to result in approximately a 15% reduction in funding for these media outlets.

Critics have drawn parallels to similar reforms under populist governments in Slovakia, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Hungary, where former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán previously exerted control over media. Concerns exist that the proposed funding model could enable the current coalition to gain control over the media.

Staffers at public media organizations announced plans for a strike on November 3, receiving backing from labor unions, university rectors, churches, and international media organizations. Protesters also committed to organizing another rally in Prague's Letná park on November 15, two days before the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that ended communist rule.

Prime Minister Babiš formed his governing coalition last year with two smaller political groups. The coalition's platform includes reducing support for Ukraine and opposing certain European Union policies. Babiš and his allies have a documented history of criticizing public and mainstream media.