Hands off Czech public media: the EDP and SEN 21 stand with Sunday's demonstration in Prague
The European Democratic Party (EDP) and its Czech member party SEN 21 express their full solidarity with the thousands of Czech citizens expected to gather in Prague on Sunday, 15 November, to defend media independence and democratic institutions.
The demonstration, organised by the independent civic movement Milion chvilek pro demokracii, comes amid concerns over the Czech government’s plans to abolish licence fees and place public broadcasters under direct state funding, potentially exposing them to political interference.
Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party and Member of the European Parliament, declared: “Public television and radio belong to citizens, not to governments. Their independence is not a privilege granted by politicians. It is a fundamental pillar of democracy.
“We have seen across Europe how democratic institutions can be gradually weakened, through measures that concentrate power and silence independent voices. We cannot allow this to happen again.
“To the Czech citizens gathering peacefully in Prague, our message is clear: you are not alone. Your fight for free media and democratic accountability is a European fight.
“We fully respect the independence of the civic organisations leading this mobilisation. Defending democracy goes beyond party politics and must unite Europeans across political boundaries.”
Senator Václav Láska, Chairman of SEN 21, said: “The biggest trigger for Sunday’s demonstration was the bill to abolish public service media fees, but it is also the culmination of dissatisfaction with this government and its suppression of fundamental democratic principles. That said, mass demonstrations need to be followed up by meaningful work from our opposition parties. Unfortunately, it is apparent that Czech citizens are currently more responsible, persistent, and hardworking than many of our opposition politicians.”
The EDP calls on the European Commission to closely monitor developments in the Czech Republic and ensure full compliance with the European Media Freedom Act.
“Democracy belongs to citizens, not to those who temporarily govern them,” Gozi concluded. “Europe must stand with those who defend it.”
