Okamura: We will abolish the fees, there is nothing to negotiate. I do not cling to the existence of Czech Television or the radio.

Tomio Okamura, the head of the Chamber of Deputies and SPD, stated that the proposal to abolish fees for public broadcasting will proceed despite protests. He emphasized that the opposition's absence during voting contributed to the proposal's advancement. Okamura dismissed claims of wanting to influence Czech Television and Czech Radio, asserting that he supports their abolition. Protests erupted following the late-night vote, with critics comparing the situation to historical oppressive regimes. Okamura insists that the government will not back down from its electoral promise to eliminate fees, despite opposition concerns about the implications for media independence. The timeline for implementing the fee abolition remains uncertain, with potential delays due to opposition in the Senate and presidency.