Thousands Protest Czech Government Public Media Funding Cuts

Thousands of protesters gathered in Prague on Sunday to oppose a government plan to overhaul funding for public broadcasters. The government, led by Andrej Babiš, moved the draft through the lower house of Parliament in a 4:36 a.m. vote, a move that limited opposition debate.

The proposed plan would shift public radio and television funding from individual and business fees to the state budget, resulting in a funding cut of approximately 15%. The Million Moments for Democracy group and other critics argue the shift threatens media independence and mirrors populist media control seen in Hungary and Slovakia.

In response to the legislative process, Mikuláš Minář of Million Moments for Democracy stated, "It is mafia syndicates or the Soviet Politburo who make decisions at 4:36," and warned, "You’ve gone too far, we won’t let this country be destroyed." Public media staff have announced a strike for November 3, and organizers have scheduled a larger rally at Letná park for November 15.