In it, Duda writes that the adoption by the Great Sejm of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth of Europe’s first and the world’s second modern act of this type was a historic breakthrough.
“The legacy of the Constitution — its idea of a political system as well as its liberating and democratic message — makes an important contribution to European heritage”, Duda wrote.
He added that "the 230th anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution should be an inspiration for the whole of Europe today."
Duda further writes: "Enemies of freedom decided that the modern, liberal Constitution of 3 May posed a threat to their interests. Absolutist, imperial Russia, supported by Prussia, started a war against the Constitution and they tried their best to destroy its legacy. Nonetheless, the work accomplished by the Constitution lived on. Future generations, in our long years of suppression, carried with them the memory of our pioneering, reforming political system."
In the conclusion of his article for The Critic, Duda writes: "I am convinced that today we can all draw on the ideas that founded the Constitution of 3 May and on its legacy. Its principle, all power in civil society should be derived from the will of the people, should be a source of constant inspiration for us all today. The Constitution also combined tradition with modernity and Enlightenment ideas with Christian values, namely respect for human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity. They are an axiological beacon that we must never lose sight of."
(mk/pk)