Today marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the first non-communist government in post-war Poland led by the first democratically elected PM Tadeusz Mazowiecki.

Mazowiecki’s cabinet was sworn in on 12 September 1989, following historic elections in June, with 402 MPs out of 415 in the lower house, supporting the new government.

It guaranteed and created the legal foundation of civic liberties in Poland including the freedom of the press and the right to gather. It also initiated the program of economic reforms (named after its creator, professor Leszek Balcerowicz, the Balcerowicz’s plan) enabling the destruction of hyperinflation, changes in the economy, the introduction of free market mechanisms and privatization.

The cabinet was in office till the end of 1990. Its spokesperson was Małgorzata Niezabitowska, the first woman to hold the post in Poland. (di)

Related story: Parliament remembers 1989 Mazowiecki government , thenews.pl 11.09.2009