Mazowiecki, 1989

Tadeusz Mazowiecki, Poland’s first prime minister after the fall of communism in 1989, is to be made an honorary citizen of the western city of Poznan.

The city council has granted the title to the former head of government as a, “token of the highest recognition for his exceptional merits in the transformation of the Polish state and profound admiration for his commitment and consistency of conduct in the groundbreaking years of Poland’s history.”

Mazowiecki was an MP for Poznan from 1989 to 2001.

The prominent Solidarity activist and Catholic intellectual became prime minister in Poland in September 1989 after the June elections, when the communists were swept from power in the first democratic ballot in Poland since before WW II.

Former president Lech Wałęsa has also been named honorary citizen, yet he will receive the title during a separate ceremony to be held at a later date due to other commitments. (ab/pg)