Tens of thousands of Czechs rallied on Saturday in the country’s biggest anti-government demonstration since 2019, protesting against defense spending cuts under Prime Minister Andrej Babis and over fears his administration will target public media.
Protesters started arriving hours before the rally began at Letna plain overlooking the historic center, where many waved Czech and European Union flags.
Organisers estimated the turnout at around 250,000 people.
“I’m here because I care about my country’s future,” said 22-year-old Tomas Chaloupka. “It upsets me that the current government is trying to manipulate the free and independent media, and freedom and democracy are paramount.”
Babis and his populist ANO party returned to power in December after four years in opposition, leading a government with right-wing and far-right parties.
Protest organisers Milion Chvilek (Million Moments for Democracy) have warned the country could head the way of Slovakia or Hungary, central European neighbours that have clashed with the European Union executive over rule-of-law issues.
“We don’t want to be Hungary,” teacher Hana Malanikova said. “We don’t want to follow the Slovak Republic’s path. So it’s time to wake up.”
