The city of Gdańsk celebrates the 32nd anniversary of Poland's partially-free election of June 4th, 1989, which sparked democratic transition and the fall of communism. For the third time a huge Polish flag, crafted by some 1,000 people was raised at the city's tallest mast, and a special picnic was organised next to the European Solidarity Centre.
Exactly 32 years ago, as a result of an agreement between the ruling communist and part of the Polish opposition, a partially-free parliamentary election was held. The win of the Solidarity trade union opened a new chapter in Poland's history and expedited the fall of communism in Central Europe.
To mark this occasion, a special patchwork flag, sewn two years ago during the Day of Solidarity and Freedom, was raised on Góra Gradowa in Gdańsk on Friday. On 2019, nearly 1,000 people sewn the flag, including residents of Gdańsk, tourists and NGOs. The flag was raised at the tallest mast in the city with a promise that it would be hoisted there every 4th of June. This year was no exception.
"Each year in Gdańsk, we raise a flag sewn from different pieces on the 30th anniversary of the election, just like Poland consists of various elements. In order to remember that Poland is for everyone regardless of their views. On the 32nd anniversary that election, I would like us very much to be able build Poland for everyone. Poland in which people respect freedom, democracy, rule of law, constitution, and most importantly - fellow human being" - Mayor of Gdańsk Aleksandra Dulkiewicz said.
Also present at the festivities in Gdańsk was Henryka Krzywonos, a member of anti-communist opposition.
"We did everything in solidarity. Women and men, we didn't care where anybody came from, we were doing our job. You can see the effects. Now we must take care of them, or they will be taken away from us" - she told TVN24 reporter.
On the 4th of June, 1989, an election to the Sejm of the 10th term, known as the Contract Sejm, was held. The decision to organise the election was made during the Round Table Talks between the Polish United Workers' Party and the Solidarity trade union.
The Round Table Agreement secured 65 percent of seats in the lower house for the ruling coalition, while 160 of 161 remaining seats were taken by the Solidarity. The election to the upper house, the Senate, were fully free and the Solidarity candidates won 99 of 100 seats.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, TVN24, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: D.Paszliński/gdansk.pl