Lech Wałęsa (b. 29 October 1943) is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and iconic leader of the Solidarity movement, which peacefully overthrew communism in Poland in 1989. An electrician at the Gdańsk Shipyard, Wałęsa first opposed the regime during the 1968 student protests. He later played a key role in the 1970 strikes and co-founded the Free Trade Unions, organizing workers and advocating for their rights.

In August 1980, Wałęsa led the Gdańsk Shipyard strike, which resulted in the creation of “Solidarity” — the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc. His leadership made him a symbol of nonviolent resistance. Arrested during martial law in 1981, he remained steadfast, and in 1983 received the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 1989, Wałęsa led the opposition during the Round Table Talks, which paved the way for Poland’s first partially free elections. In 1990, he became the first democratically elected president of post-communist Poland.

He later founded the Lech Wałęsa Institute and continues to promote democracy, human rights, and solidarity worldwide. Wałęsa has received numerous international honors, including the Order of the White Eagle and the U.S. Medal of Freedom, and holds honorary degrees from over 30 universities.

Languages spoken: Polish and English

Photo credit: Lars Møller