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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
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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Sussex European InstitutePublisher URL
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44.0Place of publication
BrightonDepartment affiliated with
- Politics Publications
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University of SussexFull text available
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2017-11-06First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2017-11-05Usage metrics
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