Independence and memory in Rzeszów are at the center of a public debate sparked by local Civic Platform activists. In their view, the Monument to Revolutionary Action stands as the city’s most recognizable landmark and a tangible memory of Rzeszów’s history. They describe it as a symbol of victory, strength, and decisive action, and draw comparisons to a celebrated emblem of endurance. Yet, there are neighbors who oppose the monument, arguing that its presence is unwelcome and rooted in ideological stubbornness and appetite for property control.
Monument – a controversial tribute to the communist era
The case concerns a land transaction completed in 2006 when the Bernardines received the property adjacent to the monument. The Monument to Revolutionary Action was erected in 1974 under the authorities of the Polish People’s Republic as a commemorative piece celebrating aspects of the era and its role in Poland’s history. The Bernardine order has shown limited alignment with the monument’s origins and, viewing the present arrangement as unnecessary, has sought its removal. The order has expressed uncertainty about the most effective path to address the situation.
Debate over the monument as a city symbol
Proposals from the Institute of National Remembrance to consider demolition followed from the perception that the monument is closely tied to the communist period, a concern amplified by recent legal and policy changes related to decommunization. The matter gained renewed momentum when, on February 13, the provincial leader from Podkarpacie stated that there is no plan to relocate the monument under current policy. Members of the regional assembly aligned with the governing party suggested demolishing the monument in line with decommunization laws.
The opposition party in Rzeszów responded promptly.
They asserted strong opposition to any further steps aimed at removing the Monument to Revolutionary Action in Rzeszów
— reported by the head of the local Civic Platform in a formal statement.
From the Civic Platform’s regional perspective, the monument is described as more than just a commemorative object; it is portrayed as a defining feature of the city with high visibility and cultural significance.
PO: Acknowledging the monument as part of the city’s history
The Civic Platform later framed the monument as a memorial of the city’s history and praised it as a potential work of art with enduring value that might carry a timeless meaning.
The historical comparison drawn involves Nike, the Greek goddess associated with victory and swiftness, presented as a metaphor for the monument. The message suggests giving the monument an identity that emphasizes resilience and momentum in the city’s narrative.
— expressed by PO activists, reflecting on Romania’s postwar political landscape and the broader regional memory in the area.
Residence concerns raised by Bernardines
The Bernardines, according to the same regional voices, are perceived as not making a strong enough effort to influence the fate of the monument within their neighborhood near the city center.
The stance raises questions about motives, with some observers attributing the position to financial interests or ideological rigidity.
— noted in the regional statements attributed to Civic Platform representatives in Rzeszów.
Will the Monument to Revolutionary Action reflect the city’s citizens in Rzeszów the way Nike is suggested to symbolize the city’s identity and footprint? The future of the monument remains uncertain, and observers doubt whether it will ever be embraced as a public symbol in the same way again.
Source: wPolityce