FADING RULE OF COMMUNIST PARTIES

In the space of eight months, the hallowed and powerful role of old-line Communist parties in East Europe has eroded steadily. Here is a chronology: 1. June 10, 1989--Under pressure from reformers, the Hungarian Communist Party and opposition groups agree to negotiate a multi-party system. On Oct. 7, 1989, the Communist Party formally disbands, reconstitutes itself as the Hungarian Socialist Party and says it aspires to democratic ideals. 2. Nov. 29--The Czechoslovak Parliament deletes from the constitution the authority for Communist Party dominance. 3. Dec. 1--The East German Parliament removes a constitutional provision guaranteeing the party’s leading role. 4. Dec. 29--The Polish Parliament eliminates a clause in the constitution that gave the leading role to the Communist Party. 5. Jan. 12, 1990--Interim Romanian President Ion Iliescu declares that the the Communist Party is outlawed. The order is rescinded later, but most leading party officials are arrested, and the party’s power is broken. 6. Jan. 15--The Bulgarian Parliament votes to abolish the guaranteed leading role of the Communist Party.