Statement from NDP Leader on death of former Czech president, Vaclav Havel

It was with great sadness that I learned about the death Sunday of ex-Czech president, Vaclav Havel, following a long illness at the age of 75.

He was the craftsman of the 1989 anti-communist “velvet revolution” and became president of Czechoslovakia and of the Czech Republic from 1989 to 2003.

A hero for peace and democracy, he successfully led his country’s transition from communist regime to democracy. His fight against the communist regime put him behind bars on three occasions, but he never stopped fighting for his beliefs. It was under his leadership that the country joined NATO and the EU. After leaving office, he devoted his life to fighting for human rights in various countries. Mr. Havel was also a writer and playwright.

He is an inspiration for all of us, as someone who always fought for what he believed in.

On behalf of the whole NDP team, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Mr. Havel’s family and friends and acknowledge his important contribution to democracy in Europe.