Lech Wałęsa

President of Poland, Solidarity Leader

Polish electrician at Lenin Shipyard who became Solidarity trade union co-founder and leader, rising to 10+ million members - first independent union in Eastern Bloc. Persecuted by communist government, surveilled, fired (1976), arrested repeatedly for activism. Defiant leadership inspired workers to hold out for Solidarity recognition. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize (1983). Led successful pro-democratic effort ending Communist rule in Poland (1989), ushering Cold War's end. First democratically elected Polish president since 1926, first by popular vote (1990-1995). Presided over transition from Marxist-Leninist socialism to free-market capitalism. Time Person of Year (1981), named one of century's 100 most important people (1999).

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