Last Updated on October 26, 2026 9:43 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Thousands of people held a massive protest yesterday in Czech Republic’s capital Prague, against a new plan by the government, led by the country’s Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. This plan changes how public broadcasters – including radio and television, receive their funding. Many people believe, this change will dangerously hurt the independence of the media.
Protesters are angry because the ruling government coalition suddenly moved forward with the plan in the lower house of Parliament two days ago. To pass the plan, coalition lawmakers quickly opened the debate and strictly limited the time opposition lawmakers had to speak. Parliament then voted to approve the first of three required readings in the morning at 4:36 AM. The protesters demanded a withdrawal of the draft and called on Babiš to enable a thorough public debate on the issue first.
Under the new government plan, public radio and television will be funded directly from the state budget. Right now, they are funded by regular fees paid by individuals, households, and businesses. This new budget plan would also cut the media’s funding by about 15 percent.
Public media workers announced they will go on strike on the 3rd of next month over the issue. They have strong support from labor unions, university rectors, churches, international media groups, and many others. The protesters also vowed to organize a rally at Prague’s Letná park on 15th of next month. Prime Minister Babiš formed a governing coalition last year with two small political groups whose agenda includes reducing support for Ukraine and rejecting some key European Union policies.