By Eva Korinkova PRAGUE, March 21 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Czechs rallied on Saturday in the country's biggest anti-government demonstration since 2019, protesting against defense spending
Tens of Thousands Rally in Prague Over Defense Spending and Media Freedom
Mass Protest Against Czech Government Policies
By Eva Korinkova
Largest Anti-Government Demonstration Since 2019
PRAGUE, March 21 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Czechs rallied on Saturday in the country's biggest anti-government demonstration since 2019, protesting against defense spending cuts under Prime Minister Andrej Babis and over fears his administration will target public media.
Protest Details and Public Sentiment
Protesters started arriving hours before the rally began at Letna plain overlooking the historic center, where many waved Czech and European Union flags. Organizers estimated the turnout at around 250,000 people.
Voices from the Crowd
"I'm here because I care about my country's future," said 22-year-old Tomas Chaloupka. "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 returned to power in December after four years in opposition, leading a government with right-wing and far-right parties.
Concerns Over Media Freedom and Rule of Law
Fears of Democratic Backsliding
Protest organisers Milion Chvilek (Million Moments for Democracy) have warned the country could head the way of Slovakia or Hungary, central European neighbours that have clashed with the European Union executive over rule-of-law issues.
Public Reaction
"We don't want to be Hungary," teacher Hana Malanikova said. "We don't want to follow the Slovak Republic's path. So it's time to wake up."
Critics have also raised concerns over the new government's shifts in policy, and a similar protest in February in support of President Petr Pavel, who has clashed with Babis' government over ministerial nominations and defence spending, drew up to 90,000 people.
Key Issues: Defense Spending and Media Independence
Budget Cuts and Policy Changes
Opponents of Babis' government have also highlighted a cut in defence spending in the budget, along with plans to change financing for public television, which they warn would hurt its independence, and tightening disclosure rules for non-governmental organisations.
Background on Andrej Babis and Previous Protests
Babis, who built a business empire in the food, chemical and agricultural sectors, was prime minister in 2017-2021. Milion Chvilek organised similar protests in 2019 that drew over 200,000 people.
(Writing by Michael Kahn, Editing by Rod Nickel)
