Havel Is 70

5 October 2006, 17:19 - People
Vaclav Havel, former prezident of Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic (1993-2003), one of contemporary central Europe's best-known intellectuals is 70 years old. He was born on October 5th, 1936.

Havel, originally playwrighter, is considered to be one of the key figures of the Czech dissent during Communist regime in the country. He led the opposition to the regime, and as a "persona non grata" he was send to prison several times.

He played key role in the process of the democratization of Czechoslovakia after Velvet Revolution in 1989, and soon became president (approved unanimously by the Communist parliament - one of the paradox in the Czech history).

After the second prezidential term, he politically retired and from time to time, he tries to advise current politics. However, most of them are quite far from the political reality. Vaclav Havel was always seeking ideals with weak connection to the policy pragmatism, which was both admired and critisized.

He got stronger reputation in the world (mostly because of its great media picture) than in home. When it comes to the Czech Republic, many people from all around the world won't probably know where it is, but will know Vaclav Havel for sure.

Many of Havel's plays are played in the theatre across CR and the world.