SPD rejects tax-based funding for Czech public broadcasters

The Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD) insists on abolishing licence fees for Czech Television and Czech Radio but opposes replacing them with a special tax. Party leader Tomio Okamura (SPD) said the government coalition would discuss funding options on Monday. His comments follow Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s (ANO) suggestion of alternative models inspired by Nordic countries, where public broadcasters are funded through dedicated taxes. Okamura said he had not previously heard of such proposals and reiterated his party’s opposition to raising taxes. The government’s funding reform has prompted protests, with public media employees planning a one-day strike on Tuesday.