More than 200,000 Czechs gathered for a large rally at Letná Park, a historic site of the communist overthrow, to show their opposition to the coalition government led by billionaire Andrej Babiš. They warned it poses a threat to democracy after pushing laws controlling the media and NGOs and opposing aid to Ukrainian fighters, following the path of neighboring authoritarian leaders.
Last Saturday in Prague, the Czech Republic was filled with protesters from across the country waving national flags and signs reading "Defend Democracy Together." The organizer group "Million Moments for Democracy" estimated attendance at up to 200,000 to send a warning to the new government led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, a billionaire with populist views.
Mikuláš Minář, a leading organizer, said, "We are here to oppose dragging the country down the same path as Slovakia and Hungary," referring to a political direction leaning toward Russia and increasing authoritarianism.
Babiš regained power after his ANO party won the October elections and formed a coalition with a far-right anti-immigration party. This government has begun changing key policies, such as ending aid to Ukraine. Babiš opposes financial support and loans to Ukraine in its war against Russia, aligning with the stance of Hungarian and Slovak leaders.
The government is also preparing a "foreign agent" law inspired by Russia, requiring organizations or individuals receiving foreign funding and engaging in political activity to register, or face heavy fines. Plans to adjust budgets for public radio and television stations have raised concerns about potential government control over the media.
A key factor intensifying the protests was the Chamber of Deputies' decision not to revoke Babiš’s immunity, sparing him from legal proceedings in a $2 million European Union subsidy fraud case until his term ends in 2029. Similarly, the Speaker of the Chamber avoided charges for inciting hatred.
Protesters say this decision divides the country into "ordinary people" and an "untouchable elite." Nineteen-year-old student and participant Mikail Černolávek said, "I am here to protect what is most important. The freedom we have is not accidental or guaranteed, and it is my duty to defend it."