On this day in 1990, Lech Wałęsa, a key figure in Poland’s fight against communism, was elected as the country’s president in its first fully democratic presidential election since World War II. This historic event marked a turning point in Poland’s political landscape, showcasing the triumph of democracy after decades of authoritarian rule.
Lech Wałęsa rose to prominence as the leader of Solidarity (Solidarność), Poland’s first independent trade union, which became a central force in opposing communist rule. As a shipyard worker in Gdańsk, Wałęsa led strikes in the early 1980s that captured national and global attention. These actions led to the establishment of Solidarity as a mass movement advocating for workers’ rights and political freedoms. In recognition of his leadership, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, though he was unable to leave Poland to accept the award due to fears of governmental reprisal.
How the Elections Unfolded
The elections were held in a deeply divided Poland, transitioning from a communist past to a democratic future. Wałęsa’s candidacy was initially seen as the natural choice due to his symbolic status as a leader of the anti-communist resistance. However, his campaign faced challenges from various political and social groups, reflecting the fragmented nature of post-communist society.
In the first round of voting, Wałęsa faced six other candidates, including:
- Tadeusz Mazowiecki, the sitting Prime Minister and a Solidarity ally, who represented a more moderate reformist approach.
- Stanisław Tymiński, a political outsider and businessman from Canada, who unexpectedly advanced to the second round, appealing to those frustrated with economic instability and political elitism.
- Other candidates like Roman Bartoszcze and Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz also competed, representing different segments of the political spectrum.
In the second round, Wałęsa defeated Tymiński decisively, securing approximately 74% of the vote. The election was marked by high voter turnout and intense public debate, reflecting the nation’s eagerness for democratic participation.
Impact on Poland
Wałęsa’s election symbolized the victory of democratic ideals over authoritarian rule and consolidated Poland’s shift toward a free-market economy and integration with the West. It also underscored the complexities of navigating the post-communist transition. While Wałęsa’s presidency brought significant reforms, it was also marked by political controversies and challenges in unifying a fragmented political landscape.
The election represented a broader regional shift, as countries across Eastern Europe were dismantling communist regimes. It also demonstrated the power of grassroots movements in reshaping national destinies. For Poland, this moment laid the foundation for its eventual membership in NATO and the European Union, reinforcing its position as a democratic state within the global community.
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an award-winning international journalist, TV correspondent, author, editor-in-chief of an international journalism center, the Central and Eastern Europe Center, president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression and a sworn translator. She has graduated from the American Culture Studies and journalism. She was born in Warsaw, Poland, and also has Armenian heritage and roots in Lviv, Ukraine.
