On June 4th, Poland marks the Day of Freedom and Civil Rights, a national holiday established by a resolution of the Polish Parliament on May 24, 2013. Though not a public holiday, the day holds profound historical importance, commemorating the first partially free parliamentary elections in Poland after World War II, which took place in 1989.
These elections were pivotal as they were the first step towards the end of communist rule in Poland and the broader Eastern Bloc. The 1989 elections were partly free for the Sejm, the lower house of Parliament, and completely free for the Senate, which had been abolished following a rigged referendum in 1946. The reinstatement of the Senate and the semi-free elections marked a dramatic shift in the Polish political landscape, heralding the dawn of a new era of democracy and governance.
The Day of Freedom and Civil Rights serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs in Poland’s journey towards freedom and democracy. It celebrates the resilience of the Polish people and their unwavering commitment to civil liberties, highlighting the nation’s significant historical milestones.