Massive protest on Letná Plain, Babiš government faces…

Massive protest on Letná Plain, Babiš government faces criticism over security and democracy

22.03.2026 18:01 HotInfo

According to organizers, approximately 250,000 people gathered at Prague's Letná Plain on Saturday, March 21, for a demonstration called We Won't Let Our Future Be Stolen. Citizens are responding to the policies of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's (ANO) government, which they criticize for endangering democracy, state security, and the independence of public institutions. Representatives of opposition parties, culture, and science spoke at the demonstration, warning of an alleged erosion of democratic principles. ct24.ceskatelevize.cz ↗

A key part of the criticism concerns the government's stance on defense. Senator Martin Červíček (ODS) called Babiš's claim that companies must protect themselves outrageous, emphasizing that it is primarily the state that is responsible for security. Opposition politicians also criticize the government's efforts to limit the powers of President Petr Pavel and the planned nationalization of Czech Television. According to political scientists, the government will maintain these steps despite the demonstrations. ct24.ceskatelevize.cz ↗

New information about the budget has emerged in the economic sphere. Prime Minister Babiš stated that the state budget deficit, which stands at 310 billion crowns this year, could rise further next year. The government is also preparing only a partial repeal of the pension reform, with the retirement age not being raised according to the original plans; however, the changes will not take effect until 2027. novinky.cz ↗

Babiš also confirmed that the renewed meeting of the Czech and Slovak governments will take place on March 31 at Nová Horka Castle in Studénka. Meanwhile, foreign media are expressing concerns about democratic trends in the Czech Republic, and their coverage is following the situation with tension. denik.cz ↗