Crowds head to Prague for Letná protest: What to know this afternoon

Demonstrators are traveling to Prague from across Czechia this morning for a major rally against the government’s proposed changes to public media funding, with organizers expecting hundreds of thousands at Letná.

The protest, titled “Letná proti 4:36,” begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Organizers from Milion chvilek pro demokracii say it will be peaceful and will include an announcement of further action beyond the capital.

Prague is increasing public transport services and emergency medical coverage, while dozens of police officers will oversee public order and traffic. Police are urging participants to use public transport.

Metro trains will run more frequently on all three lines from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Two temporary tram routes will also serve the area. Line 40 will run from noon to 7 p.m., connecting Červený Vrch, Dejvice, Letná, Karlín and Palmovka.

Line 44 will operate from noon to 2:30 p.m. on a partly circular route from Špejchar through Letná and Holešovice and back.

Organizers have published suggested walking routes and practical information on the demonstration’s website.

Buses from South Moravia are bringing hundreds of participants, with departures organized by individuals in smaller towns and villages. Two mayors arranging journeys emphasized that these were private initiatives paid for by passengers, without municipal funding.

In Čebín, demand prompted organizers to book a larger bus. Two buses departing from Vracov and Kyjov were almost full after further bookings Saturday.

Meanwhile, passengers traveling from Moravia-Silesia were finishing protest signs on their buses. At least 70 people were aboard two departures from Opava and Frýdlant nad Ostravicí, with others taking trains or traveling independently.

The rally’s name refers to 4:36 a.m., the time of an Oct. 24 parliamentary vote advancing the government’s media funding bill through its first reading.

The proposal would abolish television and radio fees and instead finance Czech Television and Czech Radio through the state budget. It has not completed the legislative process.

Opponents fear the change would leave the broadcasters more vulnerable to political influence. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and other coalition politicians reject those concerns and say the government is fulfilling an election pledge.

Employees of both broadcasters went on strike Nov. 3, receiving support from cultural organizations and student initiatives. University students also demonstrated in Prague and other cities this week.

Organizers’ forecast of hundreds of thousands attending today remains an expectation rather than a confirmed crowd count.

They say Letná will also provide a platform for outlining how demonstrations and related activities could expand to other cities.