Opening gate No. 2 of Gdańsk Shipyard during the anniversary celebrations of August ’80 is simply a motion of large symbolic importance. It was through this gate in August 1980 that the workers began a historical strike which ended with the signing of the August Accords and the emergence of Solidarity. Today, this event is commemorated all year, recalling key values specified as solidarity, freedom and democracy. Nevertheless, contemporary ceremonies are not free from political divisions which reflect a wider conflict on the Polish political stage.
Despite the historical importance of beginning the gate, this event becomes increasingly particular. From year to year there are clear divisions among participants. The event is mainly attended by people associated with the Civic Coalition and groups with akin political views. However, there are increasingly shortages of conservatives who have previously played a key function in shaping Polish Solidarity.
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Absence of erstwhile Solidarity activists
Among the absent are the activists of the Association of “Hodenity”, members of the NSZZ “Solidarity”, as well as characters as crucial as Andrzej Stara and his wife, or Krzysztof Wyszkowski, 1 of the leaders of the 1980 strike. They, erstwhile the icons of the conflict for freedom, are now avoiding participation in these celebrations.
The reasons for their absence are different, but the most common point is that they are disappointed with the current form of Polish democracy and the increasing differences in interpretations of historical events.
Political memory selectivity?
Conservative activists have repeatedly stressed that contemporary celebrations focus besides much on the communicative supported by the Liberal camp, marginalizing the achievements and contributions of those who do not share the dominant views among the participants of the Civic Coalition. In their opinion, it is an effort to "take over" the past of Solidarity and manipulate it to gain political support.
The gate opened for who?
The beginning of Gate No. 2, which was to be a symbol of unity and common effort in the fight for better Poland, is increasingly becoming a controversial event. Political divisions make this place, alternatively of uniting, divide people with different views on the future of the country.
In this way, the symbolic beginning of the gate loses its first sense, becoming part of the political conflict of the civilian Coalition, alternatively than celebrating the historical triumph together.
Maciej Nadrąt
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