Summary
Highlights
The documentary introduces Lech Walesa, an electrician who became a strike leader, head of the first independent trade union in a communist country, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and President of Poland. Walesa reflects on his simple, pious upbringing and how his understanding of truth shifted as he matured. The film then delves into his participation in the December 1970 Gdańsk shipyard strike, fueled by rising food prices, and the subsequent violent government repression. Walesa recounts his role as a strike leader and his strategic decision to slow down the movement to avoid further bloodshed, realizing they couldn't win by force.
Walesa explains that the election of Polish Pope John Paul II eight years after the 1970 strike was a 'gift from Heaven' that gave strength to the Polish people. In the early 1980s, facing economic collapse and rising prices, Gdańsk shipyard workers went on strike again, electing Walesa as their leader. He describes how his late arrival at the shipyard likely saved him from arrest. The workers presented 21 demands, including independent trade unions and the right to strike, leading to nationwide protests and eventual negotiations with the government. Walesa's wife shares the personal toll of his activism on their family life, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the fight.
The authorities accepted all the strikers' demands, marking a historic victory in communist countries. This led to the discovery of Lech Walesa and the independent trade union, Solidarity, which quickly attracted 10 million Polish workers. Walesa discusses his vision for Solidarity, his approach to leadership, and the challenges of balancing union decisions with his own convictions. His wife, Danuta Walesa, speaks about the difficulties of his public role, feeling he was 'no longer theirs,' and the absence of a father figure for their children during their formative years.
In December 1981, martial law was declared in Poland, suppressing Solidarity and leading to Lech Walesa's internment. The government attempted to discredit him by portraying him as living in luxury, but Walesa reveals the reality of his confinement, including constant surveillance and humiliating searches of his wife. A few months later, Walesa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a significant blow to the communist government and a moment of international recognition for the struggle in Poland. Fearing he would not be allowed back, Walesa sent his wife and son to Norway to accept the award on his behalf. Mrs. Walesa courageously delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the suffering of the Polish people.
Renewed strikes in Poland prompted authorities to consider Walesa as a negotiating partner. Recognizing a shift in power dynamics, Walesa strategically led negotiations to peacefully dismantle communism, despite initially advocating for compromise rather than outright overthrow. The 1989 Round Table Talks, led to the restoration of Solidarity's freedom and new parliamentary elections. Though communists were guaranteed 65% of seats, Solidarity candidates, leveraging Walesa's immense popularity, won all remaining seats, leading to the appointment of the first non-communist Prime Minister, Tadeusz Mazowiecki. Walesa recognized that 35% democracy was not enough and prepared for a fully democratic election, ultimately becoming President of Poland in 1990.
After becoming president, Walesa faced the immense challenge of transforming Poland while grappling with social unrest resulting from economic changes. He explains the difficult transition from communism to a market economy as akin to rapidly accelerating a car from 4 km/h to 100 km/h, requiring a complete stop and restart. His presidency was marred by the 'Bolec' affair, a controversy about his alleged collaboration with the political police under the codename 'Bolec'. Walesa vehemently denies these accusations, stating that he made mistakes but never betrayed anyone. He highlights his key achievements, such as negotiating the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Poland, a monumental step that restored Poland's full sovereignty.