Massive Prague Protest Targets Czech Funding Plan for Public Broadcasters

Hundreds of thousands of people rallied in Prague on Sunday, November 15, 2026, to protest a government plan to change how public radio and television are funded.

Mass Protests

The huge crowd gathered at the capital's Letná Park, a historic site where citizens met during the 1989 Velvet Revolution that ended communist rule. Mikulas Minar, the lead organizer from the Million Moments for Democracy group, said about 350,000 people attended the rally just two days before the anniversary of those historic protests. Demonstrators demanded that the government drop its funding overhaul and expressed worry that billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis and his allies threaten democracy. Under the disputed plan, public broadcasters would get money directly from the state budget instead of regular fees paid by citizens and businesses. Broadcasters would receive about 15 percent less money, which could cause job cuts and show cancellations.

Political Friction

Critics warn the change lets the three-party coalition control the media, similar to what happened in Slovakia and Hungary. The ruling coalition pushed the bill forward in parliament on October 24 by limiting opposition speaking time and holding a vote at 4:36 a.m. This rushed process sparked a public media strike on November 3 supported by labor unions, universities, and students. Prime Minister Babis vowed to move forward with the legislation and denied it hurts media freedom. Protesters also criticized the government's defense policies and called for the resignation of Defense Minister Jaromir Zuna.

Context

Public service broadcasting relies on independent funding structures in many European nations to ensure journalism remains free from direct political interference by whichever party holds power. Disputes over state media budgets often arise when ruling coalitions seek greater oversight of national television and radio networks.