Politics Morning Star
Thousands protest in Prague over unpopular public media reforms
THOUSANDS rallied in the Czech capital Prague on Sunday to renew protests against a plan by the government led by billionaire Andrej Babis to overhaul funding for public broadcasters. The ruling coali
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The ruling coalition angered the protesters by unexpectedly moving ahead with the plan in the lower house of Parliament two days ago.
Protesters chanted: “We’ve had enough” and “this must not be allowed to pass.”
Mikulas Minar, a main organiser from the Million Moments for Democracy group said: “You’ve gone too far, we won’t let this country be destroyed.”
The protesters demanded a withdrawal of the draft and called on Mr Babis to enable a thorough public debate on the issue.
According to the plan, public radio and television would be financed from the state budget, and not from regular fees from individuals, households or businesses.
Media funding would drop by about 15 per cent.
Critics say that change would give the coalition a means to take control of the media.
Public media workers have announced a strike for November 3. They are backed by trade unions, rectors of universities, churches, international media organisations and many others.
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