Thousands Protest in Prague Against Government Plan to Reshape Public Media Funding

OPA WIRE, Oct 25 (OPA) — Thousands of protesters packed Prague’s Old Town Square and surrounding streets on Sunday, signaling deep public opposition to a legislative overhaul of public media financing. The demonstration followed a controversial move by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s governing coalition, which pushed the draft legislation through the lower house of Parliament during a surprise early-morning session on Friday.

Lawmakers approved the bill in its first of three required readings at 4:36 a.m., limiting opposition debate time in the process. Protesters chanted slogans referencing the early hour, with organizer Mikuláš Minář of the Million Moments for Democracy group condemning the legislative tactics. “It is mafia syndicates or the Soviet Politburo who make decisions at 4:36,” Minář told the crowd, demanding the government withdraw the proposal and allow for a transparent public debate.

The proposed legislation would replace current individual and household media fees with direct state budget financing, while simultaneously cutting the broadcasters' total funding by approximately 15%. Opponents fear this structure mirrors media control tactics seen in neighboring states, specifically citing the influence of populist governments in Slovakia and Hungary. Babiš and his coalition allies have previously faced criticism for their rhetoric and actions regarding mainstream media outlets.

Public media staff have announced a strike scheduled for Nov. 3, supported by labor unions, university rectors, and international media organizations. Demonstrators have already pledged to return for a larger rally at Prague’s Letná park on Nov. 15, just two days before the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution. The current governing coalition, formed last year, has also drawn scrutiny for its policy shifts regarding support for Ukraine and European Union integration.