A major demonstration took place at Prague’s Letná Plain as Czechs rallied against proposed changes to the funding structure of the country’s public broadcasting system. Organizers reported attendance exceeding 350,000 people, making the event among the largest in the nation’s recent history. Participants expressed alarm over plans to eliminate mandatory license fees that currently fund Czech Television and Czech Radio, instead transitioning to state budget allocations.
Protesters wore distinctive paper hats modeled after Večerníček, a children’s television character that has emerged as a protest symbol, while displaying signs opposing government interference with media outlets. The demonstration was coordinated by the Million Moments for Democracy group, which framed the gathering as a response to government overreach. Organizers stated the event represented significant public opposition to the administration’s media policy and indicated further action would follow.
Critics contend that shifting funding to the state budget would grant government ministers greater influence over editorial decisions at public broadcasters. Protesters drew parallels to media developments in Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Slovakia, where comparable funding restructures have coincided with concerns about journalistic independence. International media advocacy organizations, including the European Broadcasting Union, Reporters Without Borders, and the International Press Institute, issued statements opposing the proposed changes.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš characterized the protests as based on false claims, asserting his administration would not interfere with editorial operations. He dismissed criticism as exaggerated and published a statement disputing what he described as seven misleading arguments advanced by opponents. The proposed modifications would reduce budgets for state television and radio by approximately 15 percent. Despite the substantial public turnout, polling data indicated Babiš’s coalition maintained roughly 30 percent support among voters.
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