Robert Schuman Medal- Tadeusz Mazowiecki

BIOGRAPHY

Tadeusz Mazowiecki

Born 18 April 1927 in Plock (a city about 100 km away from Warsaw)

Studied law at the Warsaw University. since 1955 participated in the Christian movement PAX. Since 1958 founder and editor-in-chief of the Christian monthly "Wiezi". Member of Parliament from 1961 to 1971 on behalf of the catholic caucus "Znak" (Sign). In parliament he was of the few opposing the undertakings of the communist government, such as riots in march 1968.

Since the mid 1970's participant of the democratic opposition. During the 1980 August strikes became chair of the Advisors Committee of "Solidarnosc". During the martial laws period arrested. Released as one of the last opposition leaders in late 1982.

Since 1988 participated in the talks with Communists which led to the "roundtable agreements" in summer 1989. After the general elections in June 1989 elected Prime Minister in September. Tadeusz Mazowiecki was the first non-communist Prime Minister in Central-Eastern Europe. He held this position till late 1990, until the new President was elected.

His government initiated all the major reforms and political changes from which Poland is barring fruit today. His government set the strategic course which later was continued by future cabinets regardless of political orientation.

From 1991 Tadeusz Mazowiecki was the chairman of Demoractic Union (Unia Demokratyczna), and later Freedom Union from 1994 to 1995. In the party he represented the Christian-democratic wing.

In 1992 Tadeusz Mazowiecki was nominated CSCE (Conference of Security and Co-operation in Europe) special envoy to Bosnia. 1995 resigned from that position in protest against the inaction of major powers towards the tragedy of the people of Bosnia.

In 1997 Tadeusz Mazowiecki tabled the compromise text of the preamble to the new Polish constitution which resolved the issue of reference to God. This text was also considered for the preamble of the Constitutional Treaty for Europe during the work of the Convention.

Member of Parliament from 1989 to 2001.