Massive Czech Rally Protests Government Policies in Largest Demo Since 2019

Approximately 250,000 Czech citizens gathered in Prague Saturday for the nation's largest anti-government demonstration in five years. The protesters opposed Prime Minister Andrej Babis's defense budget cuts and expressed concerns about potential threats to media independence.

PRAGUE – A massive crowd of Czech citizens filled Prague’s streets Saturday in what organizers called the nation’s most significant anti-government demonstration since 2019, with roughly 250,000 people voicing opposition to Prime Minister Andrej Babis’s policies.

The demonstration took place at Letna plain, which provides a sweeping view of Prague’s historic district. Participants began gathering hours ahead of the scheduled event, many carrying flags of the Czech Republic and European Union.

Young protester Tomas Chaloupka, 22, explained his motivation for attending: “I’m here because I care about my country’s future. It upsets me that the current government is trying to manipulate the free and independent media, and freedom and democracy are paramount.”

Babis and his populist ANO party regained control of the government this past December following a four-year period out of power, now governing alongside right-wing and far-right coalition partners.

The demonstration was organized by Milion Chvilek (Million Moments for Democracy), a group that has expressed alarm about potential authoritarian trends similar to those seen in neighboring Slovakia and Hungary, both of which have faced European Union criticism over rule-of-law violations.

Teacher Hana Malanikova voiced these concerns, stating: “We don’t want to be Hungary. We don’t want to follow the Slovak Republic’s path. So it’s time to wake up.”

The current administration has faced criticism for multiple policy changes, including reductions to defense spending and proposed modifications to public television funding that opponents argue could compromise editorial independence. Critics also point to new restrictions on disclosure requirements for non-governmental organizations.

This weekend’s rally follows a February demonstration supporting President Petr Pavel, who has publicly disagreed with Babis’s government on defense budget allocations and ministerial appointments. That earlier protest drew approximately 90,000 participants.

Babis, whose wealth stems from business ventures in food production, chemicals, and agriculture, previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021. The same organizing group staged comparable protests in 2019 that attracted more than 200,000 demonstrators.