Czechs gather for the largest anti-government protest in the country since 2019
Tens of thousands of Czechs gathered on Saturday for the largest anti-government demonstration since 2019, expressing their opposition to defense spending cuts implemented by Prime Minister Andrej Babis and voicing concerns that his administration may seek to undermine public media.
Hours before the rally commenced at Letna Plain, which overlooks the historic center, protesters began to arrive, many waving Czech and European Union flags. Organizers estimated that approximately 250,000 individuals attended the event.
“I am present because I am concerned about the future of my country,” stated 22-year-old Tomas Chaloupka. “I am troubled by the current government’s attempts to influence the free and independent media, as freedom and democracy are of utmost importance.”
Babis and his populist ANO party regained power in December following four years in opposition, heading a government alongside right-wing and far-right parties.
Protest organizers Milion Chvilek (Million Moments for Democracy) have cautioned that the country may follow the path of Slovakia or Hungary, Central European neighbors that have experienced conflicts with the European Union executive regarding rule-of-law matters.
“We do not wish to become Hungary,” stated teacher Hana Malanikova. We aim to chart our own course, distinct from that of the Slovak Republic. Now is the moment for us to take the lead.
Concerns have been voiced by critics regarding the new government’s policy shifts, and a comparable protest in February in support of President Petr Pavel, who has had conflicts with Babis’ government over ministerial nominations and defense spending, attracted as many as 90,000 participants.
Critics of Babis’ government have pointed out a reduction in defense spending in the budget, as well as proposed changes to the financing of public television, which they caution could undermine its independence, and stricter disclosure requirements for non-governmental organizations.
Babis, who established a business empire in the food, chemical, and agricultural sectors, served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021. Milion Chvilek organized comparable protests in 2019 that attracted more than 200,000 participants.
