Democracy
& Nature, Vol. 5, No. 2
In
Search of an Alternative Path: Report
from Poland
Janusz
Nagiecki
Abstract:
The Solidarity Labour Union sought to free Poles from communist
exploitation and seek a third way that is based neither on the state or in the
marketplace. Ten years after the historic free elections, the country stands on
the brink of expropriating land from thousands, perhaps millions, of peasants.
Polish farmers are known for their ability to resist oppression; however, they
currently are under intense pressure from western financial interests to
increase GDP. Farmers have recently
responded with mass demonstrations, evoking the memory of the Solidarity
protests of more than a decade ago. Poland has clearly reached another critical
juncture in its history, the question is will it be allowed to remain loyal to
the principles of Solidarity?
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