Václav Havel's Life Presidency 1989–2011
listopad 1989
Following the violent suppression of a student demonstration the Civic Forum is spontaneously established with a view to bringing about dialogue with the authorities. VH becomes the leading figure and main symbol of the non-violent toppling of the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia and the transition from totalitarianism to democracy later referred to as the “Velvet Revolution“.
1. ledna 1990
VH gives his first presidential address, memorable for the assertion that “our country is not prospering.“
21. února 1990
He gives an address to both houses of the United States Congress. In subsequent years he gives hundreds of other speeches during state visits, upon receiving awards and honorary doctorates and when meeting representatives of international institutions. In contrast to other presidents he writes his own speeches. He devotes all his energy, influence and renown to renewing democracy and civic freedoms and place the country again among democratic states. He plays a key role in boosting cooperation with Central European countries with regard to joining Western defence structures and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact.
9. dubna 1990
A meeting in Bratislava between the representatives of Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland, initiated by VH, contains the germ of close cooperation between Central European countries, later referred to as the Visegrad Triangle (the Visegrad Four after the break-up of Czechoslovakia).
Place: / Czechoslovakia
Place: / Czechoslovakia
5. července 1990
He fulfils his promise to lead the country to free elections as president. After them he is re-elected president of a state that in the meantime has been renamed the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic.
1990–1992
After 20 years of censorship, Czechs and Slovaks can now encounter his literary works. Theatres again stage his plays and his books of essays, articles and speeches are published. Most of society regard VH as a moral authority. His wife Olga sets up the Committee of Good Will, one of the first charity organisations in the country.
<b>POLITICS</b><br>Admiration for VH and for the non-violent transfer of power in Czechoslovakia means unprecedented international respect for the country. Havel serves as a password to gain access to all prominent figures and institutions around the globe. The most distinguished foreign visitors come to Prague Castle. Czech and Slovak societies undergo unparalleled transformation in all areas of life; the foundations of a democratic state are laid anew and the country reverts from totalitarianism to freedom and market economy.<br><b>PRAGUE CASTLE</b><br>VH and with his associates endeavour to open up and regenerate Prague Castle, the historic seat of Czech monarchs and presidents. Many years' restoration works are started as well as the revitalization of its gardens. A series of highly praised exhibitions are held.
21. března 1991
VH is the first president of a country from behind the former Iron Curtain to give an address at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
Place: / France
Place: / France
1. července 1991
As the high representative of the presiding country, VH announces in Prague the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, the military bloc representing Soviet hegemony in Central and Eastern Europe.
1991
A collection of Havel's reflections on the development of democracy in Czechoslovakia and the world, Summer Meditations, is published. One of the book's themes is a concern to preserve the common state of Czechs and Slovaks.
