Former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski addressed the New Left’s National Congress on Sunday, warning new leader Karol Nawrocki about his responsibilities and noting his own age.
Kwaśniewski Opens Congress
Former President Aleksander Kwaśniewski opened the National Congress of the New Left, congratulating the party’s new leadership. He recalled the current President’s verdict, which condemned the decision of General Wojciech Jaruzelski to impose martial law in 1982.
Kwaśniewski referred to the 44‑year anniversary of the martial law, emphasizing that the ruling military junta betrayed the Polish nation. He said the current President would never accept a lack of justice for those wronged by that era.
Nawrocki Criticizes Historical Narrative
Karol Nawrocki, born a few months before the lifting of martial law in March 1982, declared that the decision “was a lesser evil.” He repeated that it was an outright betrayal by the communist junta.
Nawrocki added that two years ago the new post‑communist leaders returned to power on December 13, holding state positions through political and party arrangements despite marginal popular support.
Kwaśniewski Defends Jaruzelski’s Decision
In a podcast with Grzegorz Sroczyński, Kwaśniewski stated he understood Jaruzelski’s choice, arguing that the martial law was a necessity. He questioned those who claim the Soviets could not have entered, noting that they already were present.
Podcast Discusses Historical Events
The Gazeta.pl podcast explored the circumstances surrounding the 1982 martial law. Kwaśniewski emphasized the inevitability of the emergency and criticized those who distort Poland’s history.
Kwaśniewski’s Electoral Legacy
As a candidate of the Democratic Left Alliance, Kwaśniewski defeated Lech Wałęsa in the 1995 presidential election, capturing 51.72 % of the vote. He was re‑elected in 2000, a rare first‑round victory by the party’s candidate.
