The president of Solidarity, Piotr Duda, appeared on the program Gość Wiadomości to discuss several pressing topics. He marked the 43rd anniversary of the August Agreements and spoke about the referendum process and unemployment levels during Donald Tusk’s government. He framed these moments as reminders of the country’s hard-won freedoms and the ongoing responsibility to preserve them for future generations.
We are fortunate to live in a free and democratic nation, he stated. The agreements signed in Szczecin, Gdańsk, Jastrzębie and the Dąbrowskie Agreement at Huta Katowice were cited as symbolic milestones of national unity and social progress.
He underscored that the voices of millions who took part in strikes and protests were not slogans but calls to defend core values—values that were inspired by the faith and memory of leaders who shaped Poland’s path to freedom.
Regarding Poland’s place in Europe, Duda stated a firm stance: the country should remain an independent, self-governing state within the European Union. It must avoid becoming a province of another state and reject any path that would weaken its sovereignty. The goal is a democratic Poland that actively engages with its European partners while safeguarding national interests.
In addressing criticism of Saint John Paul II, Duda recalled that Solidarity emerged from the struggle for dignity and faith. He condemned any attempts to insult the Holy Father and affirmed that such attacks would not be tolerated by the union, which sees the pope as a guiding symbol of conscience and unity.
He described failed attempts at dialogue with the government under Donald Tusk, noting that real dialogue requires a willing partner who respects procedural norms. According to Duda, discussions with authorities should occur within established forums rather than on the streets. He recalled proposals attributed to Tusk about retirement age and labor code liberalization, arguing that these changes should be debated through proper social dialogue rather than imposed unilaterally.
Duda criticized the Prime Minister for dismissive statements about Solidarity members, pointing to polling that showed broad public opposition to retirement-age increases. He asserted that the union’s members would continue to advocate for policies that reflect workers’ interests and social stability, warning that unilateral moves could backfire politically and economically.
Turning to privatization and related policy questions, Duda argued that all referendum questions deserve serious consideration as part of the public’s right to participate in major decisions. He contrasted current debates with earlier episodes when attempts at rapid privatization sparked controversy and resignations among national leaders. He suggested that those who favored aggressive privatization might resist accountability in power, and thus the public should expect transparent deliberation on such matters.
The discussion also touched on broader political dynamics and historical lessons. Readers may recall debates about how Poland has balanced its national sovereignty with European integration, and how civil society and trade unions have shaped economic and social policy over the years. The overall message emphasized the importance of dialogue, lawful processes, and respect for democratic institutions as the country navigates its future path.
In closing, the coverage highlighted the ongoing relevance of these themes for Poland’s political landscape: the persistence of labor voices in shaping social policy, the defense of national sovereignty, and a recommitment to democratic norms that empower citizens to participate in decisions affecting their livelihoods and communities.
mly/TVP info