Velvet Revolution

70 years ago the Czechoslovakian democrat and women’s rights activist Milada Horáková was executed after a Stalinist show trial. Her political activities and her end are a memorial to the victims of totalitarianism of every kind.

30 years ago the Velvet Revolution began with a demonstration in Prague. It started all of a sudden. Then, it all happened very quickly. The communist regime, which had remained in power by force since 1948, had become hollow and rotten in Czechoslovakia.

Contrary to all expectations, both parties (combined) lost the then predicted decisive share of the electorate and, therefore, they are unable to piece together a thoroughly leftist government - the first one which would rely on Communists since the Velvet Revolution.

Moreover, such projects have not been very successful: the parties declaring to be liberal that got into parliament did not survive there for more than one election period.