The Elections in Poland

Event Details

Krzysztof Jasiewicz, a sociology professor from Washington and Lee, gives a lecture on the 1993 Election in Poland. The 1993 elections, which returned the Left to power in Poland, are interesting for a number of reasons. The successor parties of the Solidarity movement preformed well but are no longer united. Contrarily, the post-Communist parties have remained unified, allowing them to claim victory in the recent elections. Additionally, the social welfare benefits offered by the Left proved attractive to many Poles. Even in light of the flourishing economy of Poland, many perceived high levels of unemployment. These factors, combined with the poor public relations of the Solidarity parties, made the Left?s victory even more likely. Furthermore, Jasiewicz explains, the involvement of the Catholic right in the previous term caused a severe secular backlash. He concludes by explaining the inter-party politics during the eleventh hour that served to undermine the Rights hold on power. During the questioning session, Jasiewicz further discusses the election in terms of turnout, money, the military, coalitions, and President Walesa.