Democracy

35 Years after the Velvet Revolution: A Reflection on Democracy and Its Challenges

On November 17, the Czech Republic and Slovakia marked the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, a pivotal moment in 1989 that changed the trajectory of both nations. This peaceful uprising led to the fall of communism, the restoration of democracy, and the establishment of freedoms that continue to shape our societies today. The Velvet Revolution is a testament to the power of unity and nonviolent resistance. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values.

Political trials, executions, repression of opponents, nationalization of property, censorship, and absolute control over the lives of citizens marked the 41 years of communist rule in our countries. The abolition of censorship, the introduction of free elections, and the freedom to travel became fundamental pillars of the new social order.

Celebrations of the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy, as well as the International Day of Students, took place all over the Czech Republic and Slovakia. However, the approach taken by both countries was different. In the Czech Republic, the anniversary of November 17, 1989, was widely commemorated with events at Prague's Národní třída (the site where communist police brutally suppressed a student march in 1989) attended by witnesses, students, and families. Prominent political figures, including President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and opposition leader Andrej Babiš, also paid their respects, and the day came to a close with a large concert in Wenceslas Square. The celebrations were not without incident, however. Several hundred pro-Russian activists gathered to unsuccessfully remove the Ukrainian flag from Prague's National Museum, with the support of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM), the right-wing Tricolor, and the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD).

In Slovakia, by contrast, there were no centralized government-organized celebrations, and civic activists initiated most events. Opposition leaders organized their own evening rally in Bratislava's Slovak National Uprising Square to mark the occasion. Three opposition parties - Progressive Slovakia (PS), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), and the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) - organized anti-government demonstrations. Meanwhile, current PM Robert Fico's party, Smer-SD, marked its own 25th anniversary with a party congress, where MEP Ľuboš Blaha, known for his pro-Russian stance, greeted the participants with a typical left-wing greeting widely used in socialist Czechoslovakia: "Honor to work, comrades". Party leader Robert Fico has previously said he does not celebrate November 17, which only became a public holiday in Slovakia in 2001, because he does not consider it a significant turning point in his life. On the contrary, several governmental representatives, including Fico and Blaha, argue that true freedom came from the East when the Red Army liberated Slovakia from the Nazis at the end of World War II. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini criticized the government for not organizing official celebrations, emphasizing the Velvet Revolution as one of the most significant milestones in modern history, though he did not organize any events himself. He also indirectly criticized the opposition parties' demonstration.

Comparing Regimes: Then and Now

The 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution prompted several surveys comparing public opinion about the current and former regimes. The STEM Analytical Institute has been measuring the mood of the Czech public and comparing the regime before and after 1989 since the early 1990s. This long-term research makes it easy to compare how perspectives have evolved over the past 35 years. As the distance from the Velvet Revolution grows, evaluations of both the current and former regimes increasingly reflect other influences, such as Czechs' personal experiences and their assessment of the current situation. Czechs are divided in their perception and comparison of the regimes before and after 1989. According to the latest survey, half of the population (48 percent) considers the current democratic regime to be better. On the other hand, almost one-third (31 percent) consider it somewhat or much worse than the previous regime. The remaining fifth (21 percent) is more neutral, seeing both regimes as about the same. As usual, when we look at socio-demographic data, the differences in views of the current and past regimes stand out - whether it is age, education, household financial security or political orientation, these factors play a significant role in shaping people's views. In particular, STEM's findings highlight a deep polarization within Czech society based on factors such as age, education, household economic security, placement on the political spectrum, and political preferences. STEM analysts argue that for those who oppose democracy, it is not necessarily nostalgia for communism in its entirety, but rather a longing for greater stability, criticism of social security, and concerns about wealth inequality. These individuals often project their frustrations stemming from difficult circumstances in their professional and personal lives onto the state, which they feel has failed to support them.

In Slovakia, according to this year's survey conducted by the AKO agency, the most important benefit of the Velvet Revolution, as perceived by nearly 54% of respondents, is the freedom to travel. This is followed by the opportunity to study abroad (42.7%), the opportunity to start a business (29%), and the establishment of free elections and democracy. In addition, 21.2% of respondents highlighted greater personal freedoms and rights, while 20% considered free access to the media and uncensored information to be the most important outcome. Only 17.2% saw greater integration with Europe as the most important benefit. Six percent saw no benefits at all. Opposition voters, according to the survey, tend to view the benefits of the revolution more positively. In a 2022 survey by the Institute for Public Affairs, 48% of Slovaks had a generally positive view of the Velvet Revolution, while more than a quarter (29%) had a mixed perception. 15% had a negative view and 8% were undecided.

The Ongoing Battle for Democratic Values

In light of current developments in Central Europe, particularly in Slovakia, it is important to remember that democracy is not something we can take for granted. The post-Velvet Revolution period brought high hopes for economic progress and greater integration with Western standards, yet persistent economic stagnation and unfulfilled promises have fueled dissatisfaction among the population. This frustration has, in some cases, sparked a dangerous nostalgia for the former regime and its social policies, especially as populist leaders — like Slovakia's Robert Fico and, potentially, the Czech Republic's Andrej Babiš — capitalize on disillusionment with promises of social benefits, often paired with pro-Russian rhetoric and echoes of past governance styles.

The values gained in 1989 were hard-won, and today we face the challenge of defending them from groups that seek to undermine democracy. These developments remind us that freedom and democracy are not automatic, and we must remain vigilant against any initiatives that could curtail fundamental human rights or regress to an undemocratic regime. The struggle for freedom has been long, and for many, it came with heavy personal consequences. Supporting ideas that diminish basic rights or foster hatred endangers not only our future but also disrespects the memory of those who fought for and suffered under oppressive systems. As we look ahead, it is crucial that we draw strength from our history and continue to protect the hard-won freedoms that define our present and future.