The speaker expressed regret that, in 1989, he agreed to elections on June 4, a concession he described as a caricature of democracy, explaining in an interview with Rzeczpospolita that the decision was made out of necessity rather than conviction.
Wałęsa’s rising profile
In an interview published on Friday by Rzeczpospolita, Lech Wałęsa was asked whether he would participate in an opposition‑organized march in Warsaw on June 4. He confirmed his presence, stating, “Yes, I will be in Warsaw that day.”
When asked about the significance of June 4, he replied that its importance depends on perspective. He noted that the planned demonstration is a pivotal moment because it could become heated, underscoring the intense emotions tied to the date.
The date as a historical marker
Asked whether June 4 holds strong historical weight, Wałęsa said it does not, describing the events as a compromise toward a form of democracy. He admitted feeling ashamed about the necessity of that compromise but argued it to be a necessary step to trigger subsequent changes.
He also commented on whether June 4 should be commemorated with a holiday, arguing that the moment commemorating Wojciech Jaruzelski’s actions represented a step toward full democracy and could warrant a holiday. By contrast, he described June 4 as an embarrassing milestone—an imperfect agreement that nevertheless set in motion important political processes. He framed it as education for the public, even if it left much to be desired.
Wałęsa pointed out that many officials from the communist era moved into the Sejm, noting that while some faced elections, others transitioned into government roles. He recalled the difficulty of the times, suggesting that various tools of power would have been available in a more dangerous political climate, including warheads stored in the country.
Parliamentary elections
When the topic shifted to future elections, Wałęsa described the next ballot as the most crucial since 1989 from the standpoint of preventing a civil confrontation. He criticized the ruling party for creating problems and crimes that, in his view, must be addressed promptly to protect the Polish people. He warned that the country faced a risk of civil strife if the wrong choices were made and added that he would have joined the fight in his younger days, though age limits his involvement today.
Regarding possible endorsements, Wałęsa said he would opt for the lesser evil in the upcoming election. Asked about backing the Civic Coalition, he stated that given the current state of Polish politics, it represents the best available option. He described this as not ideal but the most practical choice for the moment, emphasizing personal judgment over aspirations for a perfect future.