Tadeusz Mazowiecki 1927 – 2013

Last night passed away Tadeusz Mazowiecki, a living symbol of Poland’s struggle for democracy and independence.

Mazowiecki was the first post-communist Prime Minister of Poland. I first met him in 1968 in Warsaw and then in Makow Podhalanski when I was involved with Polish Catholic Intelligentia Clubs “KIK”.

Mazowiecki was a role model for me. He was what we would call in today’s language a human rights activist with great vision and compassion for those less fortunate or suffering oppression. Mazowiecki was in forefront of student protests in March 1968, in August 1980 he was together with the striking workers in the Gdansk Shipyards and he was a key strategist of the Round Table negotiations in 1989.

Another great reformer of the late early 1990’s Prof. Leszek Balcerowicz said: “Mazowiecki was a man of principle, assertive but without aggression – this is very rare in contemporary politics.”

I admired his wisdom, purposefulness and elegant manner. His contribution to Polish democracy and peace will not be forgotten.

Rest in Pace