Czechs Rally in Country's Largest Anti-Government Protest Since 2019

By Eva Korinkova

PRAGUE, March 21 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Czechs rallied on Saturday in the country's largest anti-government demonstration since 2019, protesting against defense spending cuts under Prime Minister Andrej Babis and expressing fears that his administration will target public media.

Protesters began arriving hours before the rally at Letna plain, which overlooks the historic center of Prague. Many waved Czech and European Union flags. Organizers estimated the turnout at around 250,000 people.

"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 that includes right-wing and far-right parties.

Protest organizers from Milion Chvilek (Million Moments for Democracy) have warned that the country could follow the path of Slovakia or Hungary, Central European neighbors that have clashed with the European Union executive over rule-of-law issues.

"We don't want to be Hungary," said teacher Hana Malanikova. "We don't want to follow the Slovak Republic's path. So it's time to wake up."

Critics have also expressed concerns over the new government's policy shifts. A similar protest in February, held in support of President Petr Pavel—who has clashed with Babis' government over ministerial nominations and defense spending—drew up to 90,000 people.

Opponents of Babis' government have highlighted a cut in defense spending in the budget, plans to change financing for public television—which they warn could undermine its independence—and tighter disclosure rules for non-governmental organizations.

Babis, who built a business empire in the food, chemical, and agricultural sectors, served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021. Milion Chvilek organized similar protests in 2019 that attracted over 200,000 people.

(Writing by Michael Kahn; Editing by Rod Nickel)