An article titled “Unprecedented Knockout” (“Do Rzeczy” No. 49/2023) devoted to the debate between Lech Wallen and Alfred Miodowicz (November 30, 1988) unfortunately lacked both the broad perspective and the clear conclusions that a historian should draw. . Sources of analysis. In a broader perspective, I mean the events before and after the debate. Specifically, there were strikes in May and August 1988 that did not lead to a breakthrough, as well as the ongoing negotiations between “Commander-in-Chief” Czeslaw Kiszczak and Lech Walesa. The purpose of these strikes and negotiations was not to exclude Walesa from the political game, but on the contrary – to establish cooperation with him or to reach some compromise with the part of the opposition solidarity camp. If the communists tried to eliminate Wałęsa, they would not allow him to participate in the debate, that is, the access of tens of millions of Poles. As a result of the debate, the opposition of part of the government apparatus was overcome, the authority of Walesa in the society was strengthened and the famous round table negotiations started. The aim of the debate was to promote Walesa, not to discredit him.
(tags translated)Alfred Maiczrzak