Czech lower house passes first round of public media fee abolition amid protests

The Czech government, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, is rapidly advancing legislation to abolish public broadcasting fees and shift funding to the state budget. This move, which critics claim threatens media independence by increasing political influence, has triggered widespread protests across Czech cities, including a large demonstration in Prague's Old Town Square. The legislative process is ongoing, with the bill having passed its first reading in the lower house, but faces further hurdles in the Senate and a potential presidential veto.