Ladislav Novomeský v éře počínající normalizace (1968 – 1970)
Ladislav Novomeský at the onset of Normalisation (1968 – 1970)

Summary/Abstract: The study examines the thinking and actions of the Slovak poet Ladislav Novomeský (1904–1976) during the onset of Normalisation, when, at the instigation of the Slovak politician Gustáv Husák (1913–1991), he once again accepted political office after a hiatus of almost twenty years. It seeks to characterise their relationship and to explain why Novomeský began to yield to Husák’s wishes in the 1960s and why he supported Husák’s Normalisation policies in Slovakia after August 1968. It traces shifts in the views expressed in the poet’s public statements between 1968 and 1970, during which he unsuccessfully attempted to reconcile his vision of humanist socialism with the demands of a Normalisation regime that was gradually abandoning the reforms. Particular attention is paid to his controversial involvement in activities aimed at weakening the influence of the radical reformist current on public opinion, whether through the pacification of cultural periodicals (Literárny život, Matičné čítanie) or through efforts to suppress anti-Normalisation resistance within writers’ organisations, particularly the Union of Czech Writers. Finally, the study explains the motives that led Novomeský, following the introduction of draconian Party vetting in the spring of 1970, to take a firm stand against Normalisation policies.

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