Polish PM Kopacz calls for reflection on Solidarity anniversary
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
31.08.2015 12:43
Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz called on Poles to reflect on “togetherness” on the 35th anniverary of a landmark agreement in Gdańsk that paved the way for the Solidarity trade union that helped bring down communism.
Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz (L) and MP and former Solidarity activist Henryka Krzywonos-Strycharska at the European Solidarity Centre, Gdańsk, 31 August. Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka
The prime minister had not been invited by the Solidarity trade union to separate tributes marking the historic Gdańsk Accords, which were finalised between striking workers and the then communist regime on 31 August 1980.
“On this special day, it is worth calling for the word 'solidarity' to take on a particular significance in the celebration of Solidarity,” Kopacz said during a speech at the newly built European Solidarity Centre in the Baltic port city of Gdańsk.
“As you know, we have one Poland, and one pride in its history.
“Today, when I think about the meaning of the word solidarity, I have no doubts, and I wrote it down on a piece of paper.
“It means togetherness and not being against each other.
“And on this special day, I would like everyone to remember this.”
In recent years, the Solidarity trade union has often allied itself with chief opposition party Law and Justice, including over the 2012 raising of the retirement age. Newly-elected president Andrzej Duda, formerly a Law and Justice MP, has been taking part in Solidarity's commemorations, which began on Saturday.
The 21-point Gdańsk Accords of 1980 permitted independent trade unions, as well as the right to strike, among other issues.
By October 1981, the union had gathered 10 million members across Poland.
Former president Lech Wałesa, who led the strike 30 years ago and became the figurehead of the Solidarity trade union, did not attend the 35th anniversary celebrations. He is currently in Africa and returns to Poland on Tuesday. (nh/rk)
Source: onet.pl