Tens of thousands of Czechs rallied in Prague on Saturday in the largest anti-government demonstration since 2019, voicing opposition to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's administration. Organizers from the Million Moments for Democracy group estimated attendance at around 250,000 people at Letná Plain, a historic site of major protests including those during the 1989 Velvet Revolution.

The rally began shortly after 3 p.m. local time and proceeded peacefully with no reported incidents. Protesters waved Czech and European Union flags while carrying banners that read "Let’s defend democracy." Key grievances included proposed defense spending cuts, changes to public media funding that could undermine its independence, and a draft "foreign agent" law requiring NGOs and individuals receiving foreign funding for political activities to register or face heavy fines.

Mikuláš Minář, head organizer from Million Moments for Democracy, told the crowd, “We’re here to clearly stand against dragging our country onto the path of Slovakia and Hungary.” Václav Pačes, former head of the Czech Academy of Sciences, warned that the foreign agent bill “can easily be used to restrict personal freedom.” A 22-year-old protester, Tomas Chaloupka, said, "I'm here because I care about my country's future. It upsets me that the current government is trying to manipulate the free and independent media, and freedom and democracy are paramount."

Critics also highlighted Babiš's coalition with right-wing and far-right parties, including the anti-migrant Freedom and Direct Democracy group, and reduced support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. The government has faced accusations of steering the country toward illiberalism similar to Hungary and Slovakia.

Babiš, a billionaire populist whose ANO party returned to power in late 2025 after winning elections, previously led the government from 2017 to 2021. Large protests targeted his administration back then as well, drawing over 250,000 in 2019 at the same location. Recent tensions include clashes with President Petr Pavel over ministerial nominations and policy directions. Organizers indicated more demonstrations would follow.

The foreign agent law, inspired by Russian legislation, has drawn particular ire for its broad scope, potentially affecting civil society groups without adequate protections. Government supporters argue it promotes transparency on foreign funding.