Polish Round Table Agreement

Polish Round Table Talks took place in Warsaw, Poland from February 6 to April 4, 1989.

Related Topics:
Round Table - Warsaw - Poland - February 6 - April 4 - 1989

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The reason that compelled Polish Communists (led by gen. Jaruzelski) to start talks with the banned trade union Solidarno?? and other opposition groups was fear of a social explosion due to economic malaise and runaway inflation that had depressed Polish living standards and deepened the anger and frustration of society. They hoped to co-opt prominent opposition leaders to the ruling group without making major changes in the shape of the authority. But in reality the talks radically altered the shape of the Polish government and society. The events in Poland precipitated and gave the momentum to the fall of the entire Communist bloc. Soon also the Yalta arrangement collapsed.

Related Topics:
Gen. Jaruzelski - Solidarno?? - Communist bloc - Yalta arrangement

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An agreement ("Round Table Agreement") was signed on April 04, 1989. As a result, real political power was vested in a newly created bicameral legislature and in a president who would be the chief executive. Solidarno?? was legalized. Free election to 35% of the seats in Sejm and an entirely free election to Senate was assured.

Related Topics:
Bicameral legislature - President - Executive - Solidarno?? - Sejm - Senate

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The election held on 4 June 1989 brought a landslide victory to Solidarno??

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(99% seats in Senate and all 35% possible seats in Sejm). Jaruzelski, whose name was the only one the Communist Party allowed on the ballot for the presidency, won by just one vote in the National Assembly

Related Topics:
Senate - Sejm - Jaruzelski - Communist Party

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