Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators packed Letná Park in Prague on Sunday to protest against Prime Andrej Babis and his government’s plans to reform the public broadcaster, [NOS Nieuws] reported.
Organizers estimated the turnout between 350,000 and 450,000 people, marking the largest demonstration in the Czech Republic since the country became an independent state in 1993.
The massive turnout surpassed previous demonstrations organized against the ruling coalition, which includes Babis’s party alongside two radical and partly far-right factions. Demonstrators carried signs and wore clothing bearing the number “4:36,” marking the early hour last month when the new media law was rushed onto the parliamentary agenda while opposition speaking time was curtailed by the speaker of the chamber.
“We must defend the democracy,” student Andrej said, [NOS Nieuws] reported. “If Babis promises not to compromise independence, I don’t believe him,” he added, stating that the prime minister always does the opposite of what he says.
The government’s legislative proposals seek to cut costs at the public broadcaster by abolishing the special broadcasting tax and funding the institution directly through the annually adjusted state budget. Broadcaster representatives and media experts warn that these changes strip away essential financial and legal safeguards standard across Europe.
“Moreover, no legal safeguard has been included to prevent the government from intervening, as is customary in Europe,” Martin Reznícek, a presenter and deputy editor-in-chief at the Czech public broadcaster, said. [NOS Nieuws]. Reznícek said that the lack of long-term funding guarantees leaves the media vulnerable to direct government control, especially as coalition politicians increasingly label public broadcasters as state enemies.
Prime Minister Babis rejected accusations of political interference, insisting that the legislation is strictly a financial matter. Critics remain skeptical, pointing to Babis’s previous acquisition of print media outlets despite prior assurances of non-interference.
The protest movement draws strong support from younger generations concerned about the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law. Protesters explicitly compare the political trajectory of the Czech Republic with developments in neighboring Hungary and Slovakia.
“We must prevent ourselves from becoming the new Hungary or Slovakia,” demonstrator Jacob said. [NOS Nieuws], warning that the systematic dismantling of democratic checks always begins with targeting independent journalism.
The timing of the rally coincides with preparations for the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which ended communist rule through non-violent civic resistance.
Related reading