Thousands protest in Prague against government media funding reforms

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Prague on Sunday to demonstrate against a government plan to reform public media funding. The proposal involves cutting existing public media fees and shifting budget control directly to the state, a move critics argue will undermine the independence and viability of broadcasters. Organizers, led by the civic group Milion Chvilek (A Million Moments), claim the turnout may surpass previous large-scale demonstrations, potentially marking the largest gathering since the 1989 Velvet Revolution.

Opposition parties and activists have heavily criticized the government for rushing the initial bill through in an October night session. Critics compare these legislative changes to the policies implemented in Hungary under Viktor Orban, fearing the creation of a state-controlled media landscape. Mikulas Minar, chairman of the organizing group, emphasized that while the government has the right to rule, it must not dismantle democratic institutions. The protest occurs just days before the anniversary of the 1989 revolution, which ended communist rule and brought Vaclav Havel to power. Currently, activists are pressuring the ruling coalition to withdraw the legislation entirely to prevent political interference in public broadcasting.