Around 250,000 people gathered on Prague’s Letna Plain for the largest anti-government protest since 2019, criticizing cuts in defense spending, planned changes to public media and legislation that could restrict civil society.
Around 250,000 demonstrators take part in an anti-government protest in Prague. Photo: Eva Korinkova/Reuters
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On 21 March, people gathered on Prague’s Letna Plain for the largest anti-government demonstration since 2019. According to organizers from the civic association Milion chvilek pro demokracii (Million Moments for Democracy), around 250,000 participants attended.
The rally featured both Czech and European flags. Participants travelled from across the country, with organized transport bringing supporters from the regions.
Mikulas Minar, the association’s chairman, said the packed Letna Plain sent a clear signal of dissatisfaction with the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babis. He also called for the defense of independent media and greater involvement of young people in politics.
Anti-government demonstration in Prague. Photo: Eva Korinkova/Reuters
A number of prominent Czech figures addressed the crowd. Actor Zdenek Sverak warned against attempts to bring public media under state control. “Nationalizing radio and television is no small thing, but an audacity”, he said.
Actor Ivan Trojan criticized cuts in defense spending at a time of rising tensions with Russia and warned of the influence of populist and extremist parties within the government.
Among those present were the sisters Ana and Ester Geislerova, First Lady Eva Pavlova, naturalist Ladislav Miko and businessman Dalibor Dedek, who referred to the historical experience of the Soviet occupation. Singer Aneta Langerova also performed, singing Prayer for Marta.
Protesters in Prague rally against the government of Andrej Babis. Photo: Eva Korinkova/Reuters
Opposition politicians including Martin Kupka (ODS) and Zdenek Hrib of the Czech Pirate Party also attended. Organizers warned that the Czech Republic could follow the path of Hungary or Slovakia in terms of the rule of law.
Babis returned to power in December after four years in opposition. His government has faced criticism over changes to the budget, the media landscape and its approach to non-governmental organizations.
(reuters, idnes.cz, lud)
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