Thousands have gathered in central Prague to protest against the Czech government’s plan to abolish the licence fee and use the state budget to fund public media. Critics argue that this move would enable politicians to undermine media freedom.
The coalition government, comprising the populist ANO party and two right-wing Eurosceptic parties, asserts that the change will not compromise editorial independence but aims for broadcasters to reduce costs. Parliament passed the initial proposal draft late last month, sparking widespread protests among Czechs.
Currently, Czech households pay 205 crowns (approximately £7.06) monthly for TV and radio services. Sunday’s protest, organised by the Million Moments for Democracy association, reportedly attracted around 400,000 participants, marking it as the largest demonstration since the Czech Republic’s independence in 1993.
Pensioner Milana Rudolfova, 72, shared her concerns with Reuters, stating, “I know that our entire Czech Television is a guarantee of truth and objectivity. If we do not have public television and radio, then unfortunately we will not be able to believe anything anymore.”
