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Post-communist truth-revelation procedures as a means of political legitimation and de-legitimation: the case of Lech Walesa in Poland

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posted on 2023-06-09, 08:38 authored by Aleks SzczerbiakAleks Szczerbiak
Allegations that Lech Walesa was a paid informant of the communist security services surfaced on a number of occasions in post-communist Poland and appeared to be confirmed unequivocally following the discovery of the so-called Kiszczak files. Mr Walesa’s supporters attempted to relativise his actions: locating them within a broader historical context and arguing that he compensated for them by his subsequent actions. Mr Walesa’s critics argued that his collaboration lasted several years when he was an ardent informer rewarded financially for betraying fellow workers, that fear of being blackmailed explained his behaviour during the democratic transition and early post-communist period, and that he used his powers as head of state to cover up his involvement. The ‘Bolek’ affair was used to legitimate and de-legitimate the post-communist state’s genesis and foundational myths, specific political actors and formations, and the transitional justice process itself. While the discovery of the Kiszczak files appeared to convince most Poles that Mr Walesa was indeed a communist security service collaborator, it did not change their broadly positive view of his contribution to the country’s recent history.

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  • Published

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  • Published version

Publisher

Sussex European Institute

Pages

44.0

Place of publication

Brighton

Department affiliated with

  • Politics Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Sussex European Institute Publications

Institution

University of Sussex

Full text available

  • No

Legacy Posted Date

2017-11-06

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-11-05

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