Thousands of People in Prague Protested Against Changes to…

Thousands of People in Prague Protested Against Changes to Media Financing

26.10.2026 07:01 HotInfo

Thousands to tens of thousands of people gathered on Sunday, October 25, on Old Town Square in Prague to protest against the planned abolition of television and radio license fees and the transfer of financing of Czech Television and Czech Radio to the state budget. The demonstration was called by the initiative Million Moments for Democracy. aktuality.sk ↗

The protesters demanded the preservation of the independence of public-service media, and some called on Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to resign. The square and the surrounding streets filled with people who had also come from other parts of the republic. The demonstrators carried Czech flags and banners, and some wore paper hats reminiscent of the Večerníček program broadcast by Czech Television. ta3.com ↗

Government deputies had previously, during an unusually long overnight vote, pushed through a proposal in the Chamber of Deputies to change the financing of public-service media. Critics point out that dependence on the state budget could jeopardize their independence. According to published information, Czech Television and Czech Radio are preparing a strike. dennikn.sk ↗

Babiš stated that he respects everyone's right to protest. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka claimed that the participants in the demonstration, through their actions, supported the government. Former president Miloš Zeman called the protests hysteria that, in his view, interests no one. Political scientist Otto Eibl said that the demonstrations are unpleasant for Babiš, but that the prime minister believes he is acting correctly.

The proposal to change the financing will continue to be discussed by deputies in the legislative process.