Let Havel serve as an example for us… | By: Carolina Jaimes Branger

By: Carolina Jaimes Branger

María Corina Machado has been awarded the Václav Havel Prize, an award given annually to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the defense of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. His daughter Ana Corina received the award in a ceremony that reflects the importance of fighting for human rights in the contemporary context. It cannot be denied that the fact that María Corina has been the recipient has been received with approval, interest and, above all, with respect, in Venezuela and in much of the international arena.

This award was established in 2013 by the European Parliament in honor of Václav Havel, former president of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, to recognize his role in the fight for democracy and human rights.

But many do not know about the history and work of Václav Havel. I want to tell it because it can shed light on resolving the complex Venezuelan situation. Havel was a prominent Czech playwright, essayist, and politician who played a crucial role in Czechoslovakia’s transition from a communist regime to a parliamentary democracy. His presidency took place in two stages: first as president of Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992, and then as president of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 2003, after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

The young Havel trained as a playwright and writer, and his works often addressed themes of morality and politics. His first significant work, “The Garden Party”, premiered in 1963 and marked the beginning of his career in the theater. During the 1960s, Havel became a prominent figure on the Czechoslovak cultural and intellectual scene, but his work was censored following the Soviet invasion in 1968, which ended the Prague Spring. As the communist regime consolidated, Havel became an active dissident. In 1977, he co-founded Charter 77, a movement that advocated for respect for human rights and freedom of expression in his country. This led to his being imprisoned several times throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. In November 1989, the so-called “Velvet Revolution” took place, a peaceful movement that resulted in the collapse of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. Havel became a central figure in the movement and was elected president of the country in December 1989. His leadership was crucial in guiding the transition to democracy.

But how was that? How did the Czechoslovak communists, supported by the Soviets, end up accepting that their final hour in power had arrived?…

Well, a coalition government was formed that included members of the Communist Party and supporters of Václav Havel. This coalition government was characterized by a transition towards democracy and a market economy, seeking to integrate various political forces in a process of change. Despite the participation of the communists in the government, the coalition was dominated by parties that defended democracy and human rights, which were obviously the majority. Over time, as democracy was consolidated and free elections were held, the Communist Party lost influence and support, and Havel and his allies were able to establish a government more oriented toward liberal democracy. The transition was a complex process and, although there was initial cooperation, political tensions and ideological differences between the former communists and the new democrats became more evident over time. But they could be resolved and continue to be resolved.

Could it be that something similar can be achieved in Venezuela? Similar cases have happened successfully, where transitions have been carried out through forms of shared governance. After the end of apartheid, South Africa established a national unity government that included several political parties, including the African National Congress (ANC), the National Party (NP) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). This shared government was instrumental in guiding the country toward democratic elections and the drafting of a new constitution. De Klerk, the president who freed Mandela, was active in the talks that resulted in a new constitutional framework and the first multiracial elections in 1994.

Chile is another example: the country was under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990, a period characterized by human rights violations and political repression. In 1988, a plebiscite was held in which citizens voted to decide whether Pinochet would continue in power for eight more years. The “NO” option won overwhelmingly, leading to negotiations for a democratic transition. In 1989, democratic elections were organized that resulted in the victory of the Coalition of Parties for Democracy, a coalition of center-left parties, and in March 1990, Patricio Aylwin assumed the presidency. Pinochet remained commander in chief of the army and senator for life until 1998, when his regime began to dismantle as the new democratic government was consolidated.

Finally, I want to mention Poland, a country that had been under a communist regime since the end of World War II. In the 1980s, social discontent was evident and protests began. In 1989, after a series of negotiations between the communist government and the Solidarity movement, (which led the protests headed by Lech Walesa), it was agreed to hold partially free elections. In June 1989, Solidarity won the majority of seats, leading to the formation of a non-communist government and in August 1989, Tadeusz Mazowiecki became the first non-communist minister in Poland since the arrival of the Soviet regime, marking the beginning of a transition towards a democratic system. Jaruzelski, who had declared martial law in 1981 and repressed opposition movements, played a role in opening dialogue and had a notable role in the Polish transition, both as leader of the communist regime and in his willingness to participate in the dialogue process that led to the democratization of the country.

Why can’t something like this happen in Venezuela?

As president, Havel focused on promoting human rights, democracy, and his country’s integration into NATO and the European Union. He also faced challenges, such as tensions between Czechs and Slovaks that eventually led to the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia in 1993. And like any politician, he received criticism for his leadership style and some decisions. But what stands out most is his deep-rooted commitment to democratic values ​​and his incredible ability to unite different political factions at a time of significant change. He always maintained a strong moral and ethical presence in Czech and European politics, and is remembered as an inspiring figure who advocated for peace, freedom and justice.

Let Havel serve as an example for us…

@cjaimesb