The idea of a strong state in May rests on a deep sense of belonging to a community, built not only on language and customs but also on shared values and rights, as Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized. He highlighted that May’s constitution should anchor a resilient state whose strength comes from communal ties and common principles.
Morawiecki underscored that if Poland was baptized as a nation at the birth of the modern Polish state, then on May 3, 1791, the nation entered a new, contemporary form of political life. He reflected on this transformation in a public message delivered through social media, framing May 3 as a milestone in Polish political and civic identity.
He stated that May’s constitution should be the basis of a strong state, whose strength comes from a sense of belonging to a community—created not only by language and traditions, but also by shared values and rights. He argued that such a state would be resistant to division and external influence, a safeguard against absolutist overreach. He added that the country’s collective life should be oriented today and tomorrow toward the same enduring values.
May 3 is celebrated as a national holiday marking the adoption of the May 3 Constitution in 1791. This document is recognized as the first constitution in modern Europe and the second in the world after the United States Constitution. The holiday was established in 1919 and became a public observance again in 1990 after a period of prohibition during the era of the People’s Republic of Poland. The restoration of this holiday reflects the enduring importance of constitutional heritage in Polish national life.
In recent discussions around this anniversary, the focus has been on the democratic ideals embedded in the 1791 act and how they resonate with contemporary public life. The reflection centers on the balance between national sovereignty, civic rights, and the role of the state in safeguarding freedom while maintaining unity among citizens. The anniversary serves as a reminder of Poland’s historical commitment to constitutional governance and the ongoing relevance of shared political culture.
Experts and commentators have noted that the 1791 Constitution embodied early principles of constitutional reforms, including checks on executive power and an emphasis on civic rights. As Poland commemorates this landmark, the conversation often touches on how those foundational ideas inform current debates about governance, citizen participation, and the protection of civil liberties. This legacy continues to shape how Poles view the relationship between the state and society, especially in times of political change and social challenge. (Source: wPolityce)