Local councillors in the north western city of Szczecin are opposing giving Lech Walesa the title of ‘honourary citizen’.

Leszek Dorzyński, former MP and the head of Szczecin's Law and Justice party (PiS) said today that giving Lech Wałesa the title of Honoured Citizen is a mistake and it is bad for the city.

Szczecin's councillors are to decide whether to give the title to Lech Wałęsa. According to Leszek Dobrzyński's assurance, MPs from PiS will vote against.

"Lech Wałęsa is [the ruling] Citizen's Platform (PO) political tool," said Dobrzyński and added: "Platform is making an unnecessary fuss around his person".   

Lech Wałesa was accused in a recent book written by members of the Institute of National Remembrance of being a traitor by cooperating with the communist secret service (SB) in the 1970s under the name of "Bolek". Walesa denies the charges. (jc)