Tens of thousands of protesters rally in Prague against new government of Czech prime minister Babiš

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Prague’s Letná Park to demonstrate against the newly formed government led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. Organizers estimated the crowd at around 200,000, with participants expressing concerns that Babiš’s coalition threatens Czech democracy and is steering the country toward autocratic governance. The protest was peaceful, with demonstrators waving national flags and holding banners urging the defense of democratic values. The rally was organized by the Million Moments for Democracy group, which criticized the government’s stance on Ukraine and its alignment with policies similar to those of Hungary and Slovakia. Babiš returned to power after his ANO party won the October elections and formed a coalition with the anti-migrant Freedom and Direct Democracy party and the right-wing Motorists for Themselves. This alliance has prompted significant shifts in both foreign and domestic policy, including opposition to key European Union initiatives on the environment and migration. Notably, Babiš’s government has rejected financial aid for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, aligning with other Central European leaders known for pro-Russian leanings. Critics also highlight proposed legislation modeled on Russia’s foreign agent law, which would require NGOs and individuals receiving foreign funding to register or face penalties, raising fears of restrictions on civil liberties. Additional government plans include changes to the funding of public broadcasters, which opponents argue could increase political control over media. The protest was partly motivated by recent parliamentary decisions to block the prosecution of Babiš in a $2 million EU subsidy fraud case and to prevent charges against Freedom party leader Tomio Okamura for inciting hatred. Organizers condemned these moves as creating a divide between “ordinary people and the untouchables,” fueling concerns about accountability and the rule of law. Demonstrators, including young students, emphasized the importance of protecting democratic freedoms and warned against complacency in the face of political shifts.