Lech Walesa

4 Stories

Walesa Joins Thousands in Pro-Democracy March

Crowds in Poland protest government's move toward autocracy

(Newser) - Hundreds of thousands of people marched in an anti-government protest in Poland's capital on Sunday, with citizens traveling from across the country to voice their anger at officials who they say have eroded democratic norms and created fears that the nation is following Hungary and Turkey down the path...

Former Polish Prez Skirts Hate Crimes Charge

Lech Walesa sparked outrage with anti-gay words

(Newser) - Former Polish President Lech Walesa sparked outrage earlier this month when he said gays have no right to a prominent role in politics, adding that any gay lawmakers should sit in the back of Parliament or "even behind the wall." But, though an activist filed a formal complaint...

Germany Hails Anniversary of Berlin Wall's Fall
 Germany Hails 
 Anniversary of  
 Berlin Wall's Fall  
party like it's 1989

Germany Hails Anniversary of Berlin Wall's Fall

Dominoes, fireworks, music help mark 20 years

(Newser) - Hundreds of foam dominoes will fall today in Berlin, symbolizing the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has called Nov. 9, 1989, "the happiest day in recent German history," will lead the festivities....

Book Reawakens Doubts About Polish Hero Walesa

Did the country's democratic pioneer collaborate with Poland's secret police?

(Newser) - A new book is stirring up an old debate in Poland: Did democratic hero Lech Walesa, leader of the Solidarity union and former president, collaborate with the secret police? Walesa has successfully defended himself against the claim for 15 years, in and out of court. But historians working with police...

4 Stories