Alexander Dubček believed in a better and more just society and his ideas of social justice and democracy have extended beyond national borders, Prime Minister Robert Fico stated during the unveiling of a bust of Dubček at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg on Tuesday. "Dubček believed in a better and more just society, he dedicated his whole political career to that end," said Fico, adding that the former first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (UV KSC) served as a symbol of modern societal change that erstwhile Czechoslovakia attempted to implement in 1968.
"The life of Alexander Dubček only confirms the message of his words. He has become not only a figure of global importance but also a source of inspiration for people," said Fico. European Parliament President Martin Schulz, also present during the unveiling of the bust, called Alexander Dubček an icon of his own childhood and youth. Schulz used a quote of former German chancellor Willy Brandt to comment on the contribution of the famous Slovak: "Once the virus of democracy is spread, it cannot be stopped. Once people get a taste of democracy, they will never forget it and will soon begin to demand it".
In January 1968, Dubček was elected the First Secretary of the UV KSC, the top party post. He attempted to reform the communist regime both in the political and economic realm, an effort that was cut short by the invasion of Warsaw Pact armies to Czechoslovakia in August of the same year. The period went down into history as Prague Spring. In June 1970, Dubcek was expelled from KSC and died on November 7, 1992, shortly before his 71st birthday, succumbing to injuries sustained in a car crash.
