Thousands Protest Czech Media Funding Overhaul in Prague

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Prague on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, to oppose a government proposal to change how Czech public broadcasters are financed. The rally, organized by Million Moments for Democracy, followed a parliamentary vote advancing legislation that critics say could undermine the independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio.

The proposal would replace regular broadcasting fees paid by individuals, households and businesses with direct funding from the state budget. According to reporting by Expats.cz, the change would reduce the broadcasters' combined income by approximately CZK 1.4 billion next year, while the Associated Press reported that the proposed model would provide about 15% less funding overall.

The legislation passed its first reading at 4:36 a.m. Saturday after the governing coalition accelerated the debate and restricted speaking time for opposition lawmakers. The bill has not become law, and further parliamentary scrutiny remains ahead.

Demonstrators filled Prague's Old Town Square and nearby streets on Sunday, demanding that the government withdraw the proposal and allow a more extensive public debate. The unusually timed parliamentary vote had prompted hundreds of protesters to remain outside the legislature overnight before the gathering expanded the following day.

Mikuláš Minář, a leading organizer from Million Moments for Democracy, criticized the government's handling of the parliamentary process.

"You've gone too far, we won't let this country be destroyed," Minář said. "It is mafia syndicates or the Soviet Politburo who make decisions at 4:36."

The proposal would allocate CZK 5.74 billion to Czech Television and CZK 2.065 billion to Czech Radio next year, according to Expats.cz. Those amounts would be approximately CZK 1 billion and CZK 400 million below the respective broadcasters' expected income from fees this year.

The government coalition, comprising ANO, SPD and the Motorists, restricted the opening debate to approximately nine hours. The parliamentary sitting lasted about 20 hours, including breaks, while 65 lawmakers registered to speak did not reach the podium, Expats.cz reported.

Opposition attempts to reject the legislation or return it to the government for revision each received 81 votes from the 177 lawmakers present, falling short of approval. The bill has now been referred to the media and culture committee, with additional readings still required.

Opposition leaders have pledged to continue challenging the measure through amendments and further debate. Pirate leader Zdeněk Hřib argued that replacing broadcasting fees with state funding would not eliminate the public's financial contribution because citizens would continue paying through taxation.

Culture Minister Oto Klempíř rejected the criticism that the proposal threatens democracy, describing direct state funding as a common European arrangement, according to Expats.cz.

Employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio have announced an all-day strike for Nov. 3, the same day Parliament is scheduled to resume its sitting. The broadcasters' staff are supported by labor unions, university rectors, churches and international media organizations, according to the Associated Press.

Critics have warned that state-budget financing could give the governing coalition greater influence over public broadcasting. They have pointed to developments in Slovakia under Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungary before former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was ousted in April as examples of concerns surrounding political control of the media.

The protests are set to continue, with Million Moments for Democracy planning another rally at Prague's Letná park on Nov. 15, two days before the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that ended more than four decades of totalitarian rule in Czechoslovakia.