Ondřej Havel accuses coalition of threatening public-media independence over fee reforms

Ondřej Havel criticised the governing coalition of ANO, SPD and Motoristé, saying its proposed overhaul of media financing would rob public broadcasters of independence and constitute a democratic crime. He accused Motoristé of reneging on its pre-election pledge to keep licence fees, labeling the party’s shift a voter fraud. Foreign Minister Petr Macinka responded by calling Havel a “people’s party” member and later corrected himself after being told he had misidentified the TOP 09 leader.

ANO senator Jana Mračková Vildumetzová called Havel’s comments unacceptable and sought an apology, while Starostové deputy Věra Kovářová condemned the limited parliamentary debate and the overnight voting schedule. Macinka also denounced protest calls as orchestrated pressure, though Havel affirmed the right to peaceful civic demonstration.