Aleksander Kwaśniewski

Aleksander Kwaśniewski is a Polish politician who served as president of Poland from 1995 to 2005. His presidency spanned Poland’s accession to NATO and the European Union.

Poland in NATO: Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1999, becoming part of its collective-defense alliance. Kwaśniewski championed NATO membership, achieved during his first presidential term.
Lech Wałęsa: Lech Wałęsa was a Solidarity trade-union leader and president of Poland from 1990 to 1995. Kwaśniewski defeated the incumbent Wałęsa in the 1995 presidential election.
Polish United Workers' Party: The Polish United Workers' Party was Poland’s ruling communist party from 1948 until its dissolution in 1990. Kwaśniewski began his political career as a member of the ruling party.
President of Poland: The president of Poland is the elected head of state, with constitutional powers including legislation, appointments, and foreign representation. This office defined Kwaśniewski’s formal authority and limits.
Poland in the European Union: Poland became a member of the European Union in 2004 after a national accession referendum. His government helped complete accession negotiations, and he signed the treaty of accession.
Leszek Miller: Leszek Miller is a Polish politician who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2004. Miller led the Democratic Left Alliance government during much of Kwaśniewski’s second term.
Round Table Agreement: The Round Table Agreement was a 1989 settlement between Poland’s communist government and opposition that opened the way to democratic elections. The agreement created the political transition in which Kwaśniewski entered competitive politics.
Prime Minister of Poland: The prime minister of Poland heads the government and directs the Council of Ministers. Unlike the prime minister, Kwaśniewski was head of state rather than head of government.
Constitution of Poland: Poland’s 1997 constitution established the country’s current framework of democratic government and civil rights. Kwaśniewski signed the constitution after it was approved in a national referendum.
Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz: Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz is a Polish politician who served as prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and foreign minister from 2001 to 2005. He was a leading figure in the left-wing governing camp associated with Kwaśniewski.

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Polish Round Table AgreementRelated: His participation illustrates the role of younger officials in the government delegation.