Political changes
As a result of achieved compromise Poland was transformed into democratic country with parliamentary system Poland could held its first competitive elections since before World War II, and in 1989, Solidarity formed the first noncommunist government within the Soviet bloc since 1948. Solidarity members won a stunning victory in the election of 1989, taking almost all the seats in the Senate and all of the 169 seats they were allowed to contest in the Sejm or parliament. This gave them substantial influence in the new government. Activist and journalist Tadeusz Mazowiecki was appointed prime minister, while Lech Walesa was elected as president the following year. The political life was flourishing and the status of country increased among foreign governments and finally Poland started to play an important role in Europe’s policy. A new constitution was passed in 1997, which reorganized not only the political scene, but above all various aspects of public life. Poland became a multi-party republic with a two-chamber Parliament. The basics of the system reflect values typical of European countries: sovereignty of the People, sovereignty and independence of the State, a system of law, political pluralism and freedom of political parties, separation of the three branches of power and the upholding of the system of law and personal freedom.
At present the parliamentary system is still continued. Poland has successfully transformed itself into a fully democratic country. Since 1991 the Polish people have voted in parliamentary elections and four presidential elections. Incumbent governments have transferred power smoothly and constitutionally in every instance to their successors. All political changes contributed also to the fact that In 88888 Poland entered the European Union which would never be possible under the regime of communists.
Changes in the economy
On January 1, 1990, the Polish post communist government introduced one of the most far-reaching and radical economic reform programs ever undertaken in any country during this century. Aimed at quickly transforming a communist economy based on central planning and state ownership into an economy with market allocation of resources and largely private ownership, the Balcerowicz Plan, named after Finance Minister Leszek Balcerowicz, sought to do many things at once: greatly reduce the runaway rate of inflation (which was as high as 50% per month); decontrol most prices; eliminate shortages; make the Polish currency convertible into other currencies at market rates; cease the subsidization of state enterprises; and remove most restrictions on foreign trade.
The government’s actions were intended to stabilize the macroeconomy and to create the conditions necessary for privatization, enterprise restructuring, and the development of an institutional system compatible with a market economy. Because of the speed and scope of the reforms, the impact on Polish markets and enterprises was immediate and profound. Remarkably, the main goals of the program, widely known as “shock therapy,” were achieved within a few months. Over a relatively short period of time, Poland had become one of the most dynamically developing economies in Europe and by the mid-1990s, it became known as the "Tiger of Europe."
Poland also liberalized its international trade during this period. The national currency -- the zloty -- became convertible to other currencies and internal convertibility was also established, providing another platform for dynamic economic growth.
New markets in countries that had been treated not so long before as ideological as well as economic enemies were opened up to Polish companies. The EU and U.S. were now the key markets for Polish goods.
Social life after 1989
After the privatization of companies many people lose their jobs. It contributed to the rising unemployment and poverty mostly in bigger cities. It led to the development of social classes. The higher class included the owners of huge companies and factories, members of government and artists. Owners of smaller institutions and intelligentsia formed a middle class. Lower class consisted off workers and farmers. The rising unemployment encouraged Poles to work in other EU countries after 2004. However this trend started to reverse in 2008 as the Polish economy enjoyed a boom period.
After the fall of communism also relations with ethnic minorities and churches were regulated and a number of institutions facilitating civil rights were created. The censorship was lifted and freedom of speech was obeyed. The face of media also changed. They are no more the tool of government. New totally different programs and audition were created also that which purpose is to entertain viewers. At present we have the right to chose what we want to see or read. After 1989 the non-governmental organizations are developing quickly, having become a permanent aspect of public life. The reform of the health, pension, and educational systems has also begun.
Conclusion
45 years it’s a very long period during which almost every aspect of life was changed. The year 1989 brought many significant changes in politics, economy, social life and in many others areas. It gave us the chance to built strong and modern society. But when finally the system fell some people were still complaining and even now some of them admits they miss the period. Perhaps the main reason is unemployment which decreased in last years but still force people to search better life abroad. But it’s important how long it took us to take back our independence. We can now live in free country and it’s hard to imagine how our life would like when Communism didn’t fall.
