The Round Table, where in 1989 representatives of the communist authorities, democratic opposition, and the Church negotiated Poland’s transition from communism, is set to be transferred to the Museum of Polish History.
While the decision to relocate it was formally made under a previous presidency, the actual removal took place during Karol Nawrocki’s tenure.
During the announcement, Nawrocki, backed by the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party, symbolically declared that “post-communism has ended in Poland,” referencing the famous words of actress Joanna Szczepkowska, who in 1989 announced the end of communism on national television.
Controversy over Poland’s historic Round Table: politicians and activists react
Szczepkowska responded sharply on social media, advising Nawrocki to “take the presidential chair with him as well,” and criticised his choice of rhetoric, arguing that he misrepresented the historical role of those who risked imprisonment for Poland’s freedom.
Dobry wieczór. Pytają mnie , czy odniosę się do mowy Nawrockiego przy demontażu okrągłego stołu. Jak się okazuje,...
Opublikowany przez Joannę Szczepkowską Czwartek, 18 grudnia 2025
Władysław Frasyniuk, a veteran of the Solidarity movement, described Nawrocki’s actions as “stupid and dangerous,” suggesting that the symbolic gesture was less about the table itself than a wider shift in Polish politics away from democratic dialogue.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking at a press conference in Brussels, called the episode “an irony of history.”
Reflecting on his opposition to the Round Table in 1989 as a young activist, Tusk noted that the table’s original architects included the Kaczyński brothers, and now Nawrocki has overseen its removal.
“Perhaps the table should go to PiS, where the political brawling continues at full speed,” Tusk commented, adding wryly that while the spectacle is disconcerting, it is also “quite interesting.”
Polish officials voice concern over symbolic Round Table dismantling
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński also commented, describing the Round Table as a symbol of Poland’s peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy that seemed to irritate President Nawrocki. “How telling,” he added.
A similar view was expressed by former head of Poland’s intelligence services, Tomasz Siemoniak, who said the removal of the Round Table reflects a worrying shift in Polish politics, aligning the president with conspiracy-driven rhetoric and away from respect for the country’s complex democratic history, in which the 1989 negotiations led by Solidarity and Lech Wałęsa marked a peaceful milestone.
The historic Round Table, removed from the Presidential Palace during the term of President Nawrocki - who is backed by the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party - is set to be transfered to the Museum of Polish History. Photo: PAP/Albert Zawada
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Source: IAR/X/@MKierwinski/@wolnosctv2.0/@TomaszSiemoniak