description Karel Schwarzenberg Overview
Karel Schwarzenberg was a prominent Czech politician and a member of the historic Austro-Bohemian Schwarzenberg noble family. Forced into exile during the communist era, he returned to Czechoslovakia to serve as chancellor to President Václav Havel from 1990 to 1992. He later co-founded the conservative political party TOP 09 and served two separate terms as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic between 2007 and 2013. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his strong advocacy of human rights and pro-European political alignment.
insights Ranking position
Karel Schwarzenberg ranks #51 of 430 in the Diplomat ranking, behind Richard Holbrooke, ahead of Alicia Bárcena.
help Karel Schwarzenberg FAQ
What noble title did Karel Schwarzenberg hold?
Karel Schwarzenberg was the head of the historic House of Schwarzenberg, making him the 12th Prince of Schwarzenberg and the Duke of Krumlov. He was one of the most prominent aristocrats in Central Europe, with a family lineage tracing back to the 12th century. Despite his royal heritage, he actively participated in modern democratic Czech politics.
When did Karel Schwarzenberg serve as the Czech Foreign Minister?
Schwarzenberg served two distinct terms as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. His first term lasted from 2007 to 2009 under Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek, and his second term ran from 2010 to 2013 under Prime Minister Petr Nečas. He was highly regarded for his staunch pro-European and pro-human rights stances.
What Czech political party did Karel Schwarzenberg found?
Schwarzenberg was a founding member and the long-time honorary chairman of the TOP 09 party (Tradition Responsibility Prosperity 09). He established the centrist-conservative party in 2009 alongside Miroslav Kalousek. He ran as the party's candidate for President of the Czech Republic in 2013 but was narrowly defeated by Miloš Zeman.
How did Karel Schwarzenberg contribute to the fall of Communism?
Living in exile during the Cold War, Schwarzenberg served as the chancellor to President Václav Havel after returning to Czechoslovakia following the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Prior to the revolution, he used his international standing as an aristocrat in Austria to support Czech dissidents and human rights initiatives. His connections were vital in smuggling banned literature into the communist country.
explore Explore More
Similar to Karel Schwarzenberg
See all arrow_forwardReviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.