Babiš sticks to fee abolition despite ČT and ČRo strike

06.11.2026 11:02 HotInfo

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on Thursday in the Chamber of Deputies denied insulting participants of protests against the planned abolition of fees for Czech Television and Czech Radio. He was reacting to Tuesday's strike by employees of both public-service media outlets and demonstrations in their support. zpravy.aktualne.cz ↗

Babiš stated that he had taken note of the strike and the related protests. At the same time, he emphasized that the governing coalition of ANO, SPD and the Motorists is not changing anything about its intention. According to him, he wants to abolish the fees for both citizens and companies, which is in line with the coalition's program. irozhlas.cz ↗

The prime minister described the strike as the right of citizens, but rejected its impact on the political decision. "I take it as the right of citizens, but we will abolish the fees," he stated. During the special broadcast of Czech Television, according to published information, he was also interested in archival programs. He mentioned in this regard broadcasts devoted to the metro and panel housing blocks. zpravy.aktualne.cz ↗

The protests took place in connection with the coalition's plan to change the way Czech Television and Czech Radio are financed. The strike drew attention to the disagreement of employees and demonstrators with the abolition of the fees, but Babiš did not accept their demand. hnonline.sk ↗

Further steps will depend on the decision of the governing coalition and on the discussion of the relevant changes. The prime minister also denied in the Chamber of Deputies the claim that he had made insulting remarks toward the protesters.