Thousands gathered in Prague on 25 October to oppose a bill replacing public broadcasters’ licence fees with state-budget funding. Protesters demanded that the government withdraw the proposal, which also entails a funding reduction of about 15 percent. Organisers called for peaceful conduct, and a further rally is planned for 15 November at Letná Park.
Thousands gathered in Prague, the Czech capital, on 25 October against proposed changes to public-media financing. Organisers urged a peaceful demonstration. Protesters in Old Town Square demanded withdrawal of the government’s bill to abolish household licence fees and replace them with state-budget allocations.[1], [2]
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s coalition advanced the proposal during an overnight lower-house session. The bill entails a funding reduction of about 15 percent, potentially starting next year. Demonstrators argue that direct budget dependence would give the government greater leverage over broadcasters’ editorial decisions. Babiš describes the change as a financial-transparency measure.[1]
Opposition parties have pledged a constitutional court challenge. Public-media employees have already announced a strike for 3 November, supported by unions, university rectors, churches and international media organisations. The proposal still requires further legislative stages.[1]
Another rally is planned for Prague’s Letná Park on 15 November, ahead of the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Mikuláš Minář, chairman of the Czech civic association Million Moments for Democracy, also rejected comparisons between the earlier Friday demonstration and the attack on the US Capitol.[1], [2]
