23 June 2026

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Radom June 1976 protests and the 45th anniversary of the registration of NSZZ “Solidarność”, President Karol Nawrocki addressed participants of the commemorative celebrations in Radom with a powerful message honouring the courage of those who stood against communist oppression.

Reflecting on the struggle for freedom under the communist regime, President Nawrocki recalled the famous words from the anthem of the First Brigade of the Polish Legions:

“Mówili, żeśmy stumanieni, nie wierząc nam, że chcieć – to móc.”
(“They said we were deluded, never believing that where there is a will, there is a way.”)

He described communist Poland as a country deprived of freedom, where citizens faced censorship, political repression, corrupt courts, economic hardship and the constant presence of Soviet domination.

The President praised the extraordinary courage of those who dared to oppose the regime:

“A jednak znaleźli się odważni, którzy powiedzieli temu wszystkiemu ‘nie’ i pociągnęli za sobą innych.”
(“Yet there were brave people who said ‘no’ to all of this and inspired others to follow.”)

President Nawrocki stressed that the workers’ protests of June 1976 became one of the defining moments in Poland’s post-war struggle for freedom, dignity and workers’ rights.

He recalled that nearly 80,000 people in over 90 workplaces across 24 provinces joined strikes and protests against the communist government’s drastic food price increases. Radom, Ursus and Płock became enduring symbols of resistance.

Describing the brutal suppression of the demonstrations, he referred to the infamous “ścieżki zdrowia” (“paths of health”), where arrested protesters were beaten by rows of ZOMO officers, as well as the imprisonment, torture and persecution suffered by ordinary workers whose only demand was a better future for their families.

The President paid particular tribute to Radom:

“Radom zapisał ważną kartę w dziejach oporu przeciw komunistycznemu zniewoleniu. Bohaterski zryw Radomian stał się prologiem do narodzin i sukcesów Solidarności.”
(“Radom wrote an important chapter in the history of resistance against communist oppression. The heroic uprising of the people of Radom became the prologue to the birth and success of Solidarity.”)

Looking back to 1980, President Nawrocki noted that few believed the communist authorities would ever permit an independent trade union to exist. Yet perseverance prevailed.

He recalled the words of Andrzej Gwiazda, who observed:

“Mieliśmy 3 miliony 400 tysięcy członków, a po rejestracji ich liczba skoczyła do 9 milionów 200 tysięcy.”
(“We had 3.4 million members, and after registration that number rose to 9.2 million.”)

The President emphasised that Solidarity evolved into a nationwide movement that ultimately led to the collapse of communist rule in Poland and across Europe.

Welcoming the initiative of the Institute of National Remembrance to commemorate both anniversaries during the regional gathering of recipients of the Cross of Freedom and Solidarity, President Nawrocki expressed his gratitude to all those honoured for their service to the cause of freedom.

In his closing remarks, he stated:

“Cieszę się, że jako obywatele niepodległej Polski znów zyskaliśmy okazję, by publicznie wyrazić wdzięczność za Państwa zasługi.”
(“I am pleased that, as citizens of an independent Poland, we once again have the opportunity to publicly express our gratitude for your service.”)

The President’s letter serves as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices made in Radom in June 1976 paved the way for the birth of Solidarity and, ultimately, for the restoration of a free and sovereign Poland. It is also a call to preserve the memory of those whose courage and determination helped change the course of European history.

Text : Polish SUE

Photo: KPRP