NID: CZECHOSLOVAKIA: CIVIC FORUM A GROWING POLITICAL POWER

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: The Collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe: A 30-Year Legacy
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06826813
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 26, 2019
• Document Release Date: December 10, 2019
• Publication Date: December 9, 1989

Approved for Release: 2019/10/29 C06826813
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CZECHOSLOVAKIA: Civic Forum a Growing Political Power
The Civic Forum is moving to fill the power vacuum left by the
disintegration of Communist rule.
The most graphic demonstration of the Forum's growing confidence
is its announcement that the general strike called for Monday will
proceed regardless of the outcome of the government shuffle and that
its duration will depend on whether the opposition accepts the new
government
The Forum's network is spreading; most major cities now have their
own branches, and groups have reportedly also sprung up in the Army
and in factories. Vaclav Havel, a leading Forum activist, has said he
is willing to serve as president. In addition, the Forum this week
proposed candidates for ministerial-level appointments�it included
several Forum activists�in new Premier Calfa's government.
Comment: The spread of Forum organizations across the country
indicates the opposition still has the support of a major segment of
the population. It appears on track to establish itself as a legitimate
power center able to demand more concessions from the regime.
In pressing the regime to inci�ide more non-Communists in the
government, the Forum is sc. "ing to popular appeals for stronger
action to counter Communist :ffons to thwart reforms. Although
Havel has been reluctant to tecome president, other opposition
leaders probably persuaded .sim to throw his hat into the ring
because they suspect former Premier Adamec wants the post.
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TCS 2985/89
9 December 1989
Approved for Release: 2019/10/29 C06826813