PRAGUE – Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Prague on Sunday to protest a government proposal to overhaul the financing of Czech public broadcasters. Critics say the plan, backed by the government of billionaire Andrej Babiš, could weaken media independence and undermine democracy.
The demonstration was held at Letná Park, a symbolic site where vast crowds assembled during the 1989 Velvet Revolution that brought an end to more than four decades of communist rule in the Czech Republic.
Mikuláš Minář, the lead organizer with the Million Moments for Democracy group, estimated that about 350,000 people attended the rally, which took place two days before the anniversary of the 1989 protests. Demonstrators called on the government to abandon the proposal and warned that Babiš and his coalition partners threaten democratic institutions.
“We do witness here something extraordinary today,” Minář said. “It’s just a beginning.”
The proposal would move the financing of the Czech Republic’s public radio and television broadcasters from the current system of regular fees paid by individuals, households and businesses to direct funding from the state budget. Under the plan, the broadcasters would receive roughly 15% less money than they currently do, potentially resulting in layoffs, reduced production and canceled programs.
Opponents argue that the changes would give the three-party coalition greater leverage over the media, echoing moves by populist governments in Slovakia under Prime Minister Robert Fico and in Hungary before former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was removed from power in April.
“We refuse the Slovak scenario,” read one protest banner. Another declared: “Hands off the media.”
Singer Šarka Dumišincová, who joined the demonstration, said the media “represent freedom.” She added: “And the fact that someone here is trying to control that freedom is unacceptable to me. That’s why I’m here today.”
The government apparently wants to rush the bill through Parliament
The governing coalition unexpectedly advanced the proposal in Parliament’s lower house on Oct. 24. Before lawmakers voted at 4:36 a.m. to move the bill through its first of three readings, the coalition restricted the amount of time available for opposition speeches.
Thousands took to the streets the next day to protest the accelerated process, while employees of the public broadcasters went on strike on Nov. 3. Labor unions, universities, students, churches, artists, athletes and international media organizations were among those supporting the action.
“We are here to stand up against the rule by force in the style of 4:36,” Minář said Sunday, referring to the time lawmakers approved the bill’s first reading.
Media freedom and the rule of law in the Czech Republic were also discussed Wednesday in the European Parliament. EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said national laws must ensure that public-service media funding is based on transparent, objective criteria and provides “adequate, sustainable and predictable financial resources.”
Babiš has opposed other EU policies
Babiš has vowed to proceed with the plan despite the protests and rejected claims that it would compromise media freedom.
He returned to power after his ANO, or YES, movement won last year’s Czech election and formed a coalition with two smaller political groups: the anti-migrant, pro-Russian Freedom and Direct Democracy party, and the right-wing Motorists for Themselves.
Babiš has opposed several major European Union policies on the environment and migration. He has also rejected financial assistance for Ukraine and guarantees for EU loans intended to help the country fight Russia’s invasion.
The government has faced criticism from NATO allies for not spending enough on defense. Protesters denounced its defense policy and called for the resignation of Freedom party leader and parliamentary Speaker Tomio Okamura, as well as Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna. The party controls the ministry.
“While (Russia’s President Vladimir) Putin threatens Europe, the pro-Russian (party) is systematically undermining the state’s defensive capability and endangering national security,” said Minář, the main organizer of the protest.
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Associated Press video journalist Stanislav Hodina contributed to this report.
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