Prague witnessed a massive turnout Sunday as Czechs rallied to protest a government overhaul of public broadcaster funding, which critics argue threatens media independence.
The demonstration drew such massive crowds that thousands spilled beyond Old Town Square into surrounding streets. The ruling coalition had accelerated the legislation through the lower house of Parliament just two days prior, sparking fury among demonstrators.
In a rushed procedural move, coalition lawmakers advanced the draft through its first of three parliamentary readings at 4:36 a.m., cutting off meaningful opposition debate.
Demonstrators chanted “We’ve had enough,” “This must not be allowed to pass,” and the telling “4:36.”
“You’ve gone too far, we won’t let this country be destroyed,” said Mikuláš Minář, a leading organizer with Million Moments for Democracy. He warned, “It is mafia syndicates or the Soviet Politburo who make decisions at 4:36.”
Protesters are demanding the draft’s withdrawal and urging Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to facilitate a comprehensive public debate on the proposed reforms.
The proposed reform would shift public radio and television funding from household fees to the state budget, resulting in approximately 15% reduced funding compared to current levels.
Critics warn the shift could enable coalition takeover of public media, echoing patterns seen under Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Hungary’s former Viktor Orbán administration.
Babiš and his allies have a history of targeting public and mainstream media outlets.
Public media staffers have announced a strike set for November 3, backed by labor unions, university rectors, churches, and international media organizations.
Protesters have pledged to hold a rally at Prague’s Letná Park on November 15, two days ahead of the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which ended over four decades of totalitarian rule.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš leads a coalition formed last year with two smaller parties advocating reduced Ukraine support and resistance to key EU policies.
