Tens of thousands of people protested in Prague on Saturday against Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government, accusing it of steering the country toward an illiberal, “Russian‑style” path and aligning too closely with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico. The rally, organized by the civic group A Million Moments for Democracy, was the second major protest since February, with organizers saying democratic backsliding is accelerating and warning that “oligarchs and extremists” threaten the country’s future.
What protesters are objecting to
Organizers highlighted Babiš’s moves on media policy and foreign‑relations, including a proposed “foreign agent” law modeled on Russian‑style legislation that would force NGOs, activists, and organizations receiving foreign funding to register or face heavy fines. Critics argue this would chill civil‑society work, cut international cooperation, and give the government more leverage over human‑rights and humanitarian groups.
Concerns about press freedom
The protest also targeted a media‑funding plan that would abolish the current monthly license/fee system and shift toward direct government funding of public broadcasters, which opposition groups fear would increase political influence over news and reporting. Together with the “foreign agent” law, activists say these changes amount to a broader strategy to erode checks and balances and tighten state control over independent voices.
