Petr Pavel discusses public media financing model

Czech President Petr Pavel has suggested that transitioning the financing of Czech Television and Czech Radio to the state budget does not automatically imply a loss of media independence, provided sufficient legal safeguards are in place to ensure predictable funding. This stance marks a shift from his previous comments expressing concern over pressures on media freedom.

Opposition leaders have reacted to the President's remarks. Michaela Šebelová, chair of the STAN parliamentary club, criticized the proposal, arguing that the current system is sufficient and that moving to state budget funding is an error, especially given high budget deficits. She questioned whether the move was an attempt to control the media.

In a separate political development, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš participated in a televised debate with Terezie Tománková. The discussion covered various topics, including economic issues and the decision to suspend government envoy Filip Turk pending a police investigation.