“It is a symbol of our identity, our struggle for democracy, and our fight for independence. Adopted 234 years ago, the Government Act gave hope for a brighter future and remains a source of pride for Poles to this day. Let us work together to make Poland even stronger!” the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on social media, marking the country’s national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of 3 May 1791.
The document was the first modern constitution in continental Europe and the second in the world, following the U.S. Constitution. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski noted that while the Corsican Constitution came earlier, Poland’s 1791 document was the first fully codified national constitution on the European mainland. He also pointed out that it introduced a hereditary monarchy under the Saxon House of Wettin.
The anniversary was officially declared a national holiday in 1919, banned during the communist era, and reinstated as a state holiday in 1990.
Polish FM Sikorski praises diaspora’s role in preserving national identity and values
On the occasion of the Day of Polonia and Poles Abroad, observed annually on May 2 — the day before Constitution Day — Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski extended heartfelt wishes to compatriots living in all corners of the world.
“May Poland - both the one in your heart and the one on the map - always remain close and important. For years, Polish communities abroad have helped anchor Poland in Western values. We appreciate this commitment. We also remember those denied the right to their Polish identity,” said Poland’s top diplomat.
Radosław Sikorski offered special thanks to Andrzej Poczobut, a prominent leader of the Polish minority in Belarus who is currently imprisoned by the Lukashenko regime.
Minister Sikorski quoted Poczobut, saying: “We don’t choose the times we live in, but we choose how we live.”
The head of Polish diplomacy also thanked Poles abroad for their patriotism, preservation of tradition, and dedication to Polish identity, stressing that “strengthening Poland’s image in the world would not be possible without the Foreign Ministry’s cooperation with you.”
Minister Sikorski expressed hope that the government’s new 2025–2030 strategy for engaging with the Polish diaspora would further enhance this partnership.
“To all our compatriots across the globe, I wish you pride in your Polish roots and unwavering faith in our homeland’s bright future.”
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Source: X/@PolandMFA/@MSZ_RP/@sikorskiradek