Former Czech Foreign Minister and Vaclav Havel’s Chancellor, Karel Schwarzenberg, has passed away at the age of 85. The news of his death was confirmed by his long-term political ally, Milroslav Kalousek, and the Czech Foreign Ministry. Schwarzenberg played a significant role in shaping Czech foreign policy and was known for his unwavering commitment to democracy.
Schwarzenberg had been hospitalized in Prague since August due to heart and kidney problems. He was later transferred to a clinic in Vienna, where he had been living for several years. President Petr Pavel expressed his condolences, describing Schwarzenberg as a remarkable individual who served his country with dedication.
Born on December 10, 1937, in Prague, Schwarzenberg and his family were forced to flee Czechoslovakia after the Communist regime took over in 1948. They sought refuge in Austria, where Schwarzenberg studied law and forestry at universities in Vienna, Graz, and Munich. However, he was unable to complete his studies as he had to assume responsibility for his family’s estates in Austria and Bavaria.
After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, Schwarzenberg returned to Czechoslovakia and became Vaclav Havel’s chancellor, heading the presidential office. He served as the foreign minister from 2007 to 2009, during which he signed an initial agreement with the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to base a missile shield in Central and Eastern Europe. However, the project was later abandoned by President Barack Obama.
In 2009, Schwarzenberg, together with Kalousek, established the conservative political party TOP 09. He led the party until 2015 when he became its honorary chairman. Schwarzenberg served as the foreign minister again from 2010 to 2013. In 2013, he ran for the Czech presidency but lost to Milos Zeman.
Before his political career, Schwarzenberg chaired the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights from 1984 to 1991. He dedicated himself to promoting human rights in communist countries, including his own homeland. He also helped establish the Czechoslovak Documentation Centre, which collected banned literature and materials related to anti-totalitarian resistance. The collections are now housed in the National Museum in Prague.
Schwarzenberg was not only known for his political achievements but also for his sense of humor. When caught sleeping by photographers, he humorously replied that he slept when they talk stupid. He is survived by his wife Therese, son Jan Nepomuk, and daughter Anna Karolina.
The passing of Karel Schwarzenberg marks the end of an era for Czech politics. His contributions to foreign policy and commitment to democracy will be remembered, and his loss will be deeply felt by many.
