Stan wojenny w interpretacjach zwolennika „postawy czynnego trwania”. Ryszard Reiff o wydarzeniach w Polsce 1980–1983
Stan wojenny w interpretacjach zwolennika „postawy czynnego trwania”. Ryszard Reiff o wydarzeniach w Polsce 1980–1983

Summary/Abstract: Martial law in the interpretations of the supporter of the “attitude of active duration”. Ryszard Reiff on events in Poland 1980–1983 The article presents evaluations of the events of 1980–1983 formulated by Ryszard Reiff, a well-known PAX activist. The first part of the article presents a short biography of the politician and his political concepts in the years 1945–1980. The next part discusses extensively Reiff’s activity in the period 1980–1981 with particular emphasis on his proposal to establish the so-called Great Coalition. It would be formed by the Solidarity trade union, the Church and the authorities of that time. This plan was not implemented and after martial law was imposed, he was removed from the association. At that time, he started to work with the underground Solidarity. The last part of the text presents martial law assessments and reflections on political realism. According to Reiff, martial law was a false alternative to the Soviet intervention. It hindered the possibility of economic reforms; it caused the emigration of one million young people and blocked the development of civil society.

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