Czech protesters declare authorities have 'gone too far,' outline demands
Photo: Situation in Czechia intensifies (unsplash.com)
Hundreds of people protested in Prague today against the governing coalition's intentions to abolish television and radio license fees, according to iDNES.
Organizers of the rally believe that funding public broadcasters from the state budget could jeopardize their independence.
The demonstration in Old Town Square was organized by the civic initiative "A Million Moments for Democracy." Protesters marched with Czech flags and posters opposing the proposed reform of financing for Czech Television and Czech Radio.
The head of the organization, Mikuláš Minář, emphasized that the rally aims to demonstrate to the government that people oppose its plans.
He called on participants not to fall for provocations and to defend their position peacefully.
"This is a clear signal to this government: you have truly gone too far. Please do not let yourselves be provoked in the coming weeks and months. We will defeat this evil and hateful government not by force, but through our calmness," he said.
Organizers also expressed dissatisfaction with the accelerated consideration of the relevant bill in the Chamber of Deputies.
Amid recent events, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš denied that the proposed changes would lead to the nationalization of media or pose a threat to democracy. According to him, the government is merely fulfilling an election promise to abolish license fees.
The organization Veřejnoprávně, which represents employees of Czech Television and Czech Radio, also opposed the government's initiative. It announced plans to hold a one-day strike on November 3.
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