Czechia - May 2026

Czechia saw major civic mobilisations in May as thousands protested against a government bill to abolish a license‑fee, which households pay to helps fund public broadcasters Czech Television and Czech Radio. The bill replaces the fee with direct financing from the state budget and reduces their overall funding. On 5 May, large crowds gathered in Prague, organized by the civic group Million Moments for Democracy, to oppose what they viewed as a threat to bring the public broadcasters under political control. A second wave of coordinated protests on 17 May drew thousands across 12 cities, with journalists’ groups warning the reform would heighten political control and violate EU media‑freedom standards. Protesters framed the bill as a direct risk to press freedom and democratic oversight, forming part of a broader, months‑long civic movement that has included mass rallies, student actions, newsroom work stoppages, and nationwide protests.

Sources: International Federation of Journalists, Radio Prague International, Reuters