The Round Table – 1989 – Warsaw
Polish figure of the „Dreaming about the democracy” topic
In 1989 due to external and internal pressures put onto the government of Polish Peoples Republic, and a change to internal USSR politics, the authorities in order to find public support for their new reforms need to adapt. As a result of those factors the head of polish government met with the leaders of the democratic oppositions – Solidarity movement and representatives of church in Poland. The series of negotiation took place from 6th of February till 5th of April 1989 in multiple places but began and ended at the Namiestnikowski Palace where the representatives all sat at one round table. The negotiations resulted in democratic election in which Poles choose their new government, State, Senate and President.
Introduction of the Martial Law in Poland in December 1981, delegalization of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” and detention of its key members was able to only to slow down inevitable dissolution of the communist regime in Poland. In 1988 thanks to external and internal pressures put onto the government of Polish Peoples Republic such as growth of social unrest, calls for negotiations with the opposition coming from outside of the country – from the Western countries and inside – from the Church. In addition to nan economic crisis and a change to internal USSR politics, the governing authorities needed to change strategy in order to find public support for their new reforms. In the August 1988 first talks in order to prepare for the negations began. As a result of the head of polish government met with the leaders of the democratic oppositions – the “Solidarity” movement and representatives of the Church in Poland. The series of negotiation took place from 6th of February till 5th of April 1989 in multiple locations but began and ended at Namiestnikowski Palace (now Presidential Palace) where the representatives all sat at one round table – hence the name Round Table Talks. The main conversations took place in three committees, however there were several subcommittee’s and working groups established. First was focusing on political reforms, second on trade unions pluralism and last on economy and social politics. On April 5, 1989, main documents were signed and became known as the Round Table Agreement. As a result of the negotiations, democratic elections were held where Poles choose their new government, State, Senate and President.
Further reading:
Jan Skórzyński, Okrągły Stół. Wynegocjowany koniec PRL, Znak Horyzont, Kraków 2019
Jan Skórzyński, Rewolucja Okrągłego Stołu, Wydawnictwo Znak, Kraków 2009
Facts
