Protests in Prague in Support of ČT and ČRo: Major Traffic Restrictions Expected from 2pm

A day-long strike and several protest marches are taking place in Prague today in support of public service television and radio. Drivers should expect significant disruption in the afternoon, particularly on the approach to the city centre from the D1 motorway.

Employees of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo) have called a day-long strike for today, Tuesday, 3 November. A rally in support of both broadcasters will begin at 4.36pm at Prague’s Wenceslas Square. Solidarity events are also planned in other cities across the Czech Republic.

The protests have been prompted by a bill proposing the abolition of radio and television licence fees. MPs from the governing coalition referred the bill for its second reading in the Chamber of Deputies in the early hours of 24 October.

Protest marches to Wenceslas Square

More than ten gatherings have been registered in Prague. Alongside stationary rallies, several protest marches are planned, leading to Wenceslas Square, where the main programme will take place. Police are therefore warning of major traffic restrictions from around 2pm.

One of the main marches will start at Czech Television and follow Na Pankráci, Štětkova and Kongresová streets to 5. května. It will then continue across Nuselský most (Nusle Bridge) and along Legerova to the National Museum and onwards to Wenceslas Square. Another march, setting off from Czech Radio, will join it in the I. P. Pavlova area.

Photo: Policie ČR

Students from several Prague universities also intend to support the protest. Faculties of Charles University are preparing their own marches. Those from Jan Palach Square and Albertov are expected to be among the largest. Students at the Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE) have also announced a march on social media. Most of the protest marches will lead to Wenceslas Square, where participants intend to join the rally organised by the Veřejnoprávně initiative.

Approach from the D1 particularly affected

To protect participants, vehicle traffic along the route will be restricted for as long as necessary in each location. Police are asking drivers travelling into the city centre to use alternative access roads where possible and avoid the affected area.

The greatest disruption is expected on 5. května, which carries traffic from the D1 motorway towards the National Museum. As the protest march moves onto Wenceslas Square, temporary restrictions should also be expected on Wilsonova in front of the National Museum.

Photo: Milion chvilek pro demokracii

Changes to ČT and ČRo television and radio schedules

The strike began at midnight and is due to last 24 hours. According to the organisers, it is causing significant changes to programming.

Programmes that require staff to be on duty on the day of broadcast for their production and transmission are either being broadcast in a modified format or cancelled altogether.