Lech Walesa 6th President of Poland Date of Birth: 29.09.1943 Country: Poland

1. Early Life and Activism
2. Labor Movement Leadership
3. Birth of 'Solidarity'
4. Nobel Peace Prize
5. Presidency
6. Post-Presidency

Early Life and Activism

Born in Popowo, Poland, Lech Wałęsa's father was arrested by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp before his birth. After the war, his father passed away from exhaustion and illness, leaving young Lech to be raised by his mother.

In 1961, Wałęsa became an electrician and later worked as an auto mechanic. He was drafted into the army for two years, where he reached the rank of corporal. Upon his release, he joined the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk.

Labor Movement Leadership

Wałęsa became involved in workers' organizations and led a boycott of official rallies during the student strikes of 1968. He emerged as a charismatic leader, organizing strikes that resulted in the death of 30 workers. This event fueled his desire for radical change.

His involvement in the underground labor movement led to his dismissal from the shipyard in 1976. Despite finding work as an electrician, his activism often resulted in his termination. He faced constant surveillance and arrests.

Birth of 'Solidarity'

In 1980, Wałęsa co-founded 'Solidarity,' a massive national trade union. Its rapid growth alarmed the authorities, who arrested Wałęsa and other leaders.

Nobel Peace Prize

In 1983, Wałęsa returned to the shipyard as an electrician. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that year, which his wife accepted on his behalf due to fears of being denied re-entry to Poland.

His unwavering support for 'Solidarity' led to negotiations between the authorities and the union. Eventually, 'Solidarity' was legalized, and Poland transitioned to semi-free parliamentary elections.

Presidency

On December 9, 1990, Wałęsa was elected President of Poland. He formed a new political party in 1993. During his presidency, Poland privatized its economy and held free parliamentary elections.

Wałęsa oversaw Poland's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact, reducing its external debt and facilitating its entry into NATO and the European Union. Despite his achievements, he faced criticism and internal conflicts within 'Solidarity.'

Post-Presidency

Wałęsa lost the 1995 presidential election but remained involved in politics through lectures, think-tank leadership, and other initiatives. He resigned from 'Solidarity' in 2006 due to internal divisions.