Gdańsk commemorates the fight for freedom against communist rule

Gdańsk, a city in northern Poland, is commemorating two of the most painful episodes in the country’s post-war history: the deadly coastal protests of December 1970 and the imposition of martial law in December 1981.

Gdańsk, in northern Poland, remembers the protests against communism in December 1970 and 1981. The European Solidarity Centre has organized a series of events highlighting the city's role in the struggle for freedom on the Polish coast.

Photo: Gunther L.E. Fisher/European Solidarity Centre

In both cases, authorities used force to suppress dissent, resulting in deaths, injuries, and widespread repression.

In 1970, demonstrations erupted in Gdańsk, Gdynia, Szczecin, and Elbląg after the government announced sudden increases in food prices.

Armed soldiers and police opened fire on protesters, leaving 45 people dead and more than 1,100 wounded in Gdańsk alone.

The tragedy led to the creation of the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers, unveiled 45 years ago to honour the victims.

Eleven years later, in December 1981, the authorities declared martial law.

Thousands of activists were detained, the Solidarity trade union was banned, communications were censored, schools and universities were closed, and public gatherings and press freedoms were severely restricted.

GDAŃSK PAMIĘTA – 8 grudnia otwieramy ponad tygodniowy program wydarzeń pamięci dwóch grudniów – 1970 i 1981, znaczonych...

Opublikowany przez Europejskie Centrum Solidarności I European Solidarity Centre Poniedziałek, 1 grudnia 2025

Lessons from Poland’s struggle for freedom

This year, Poland’s parliament formally established the “Days of Remembrance of December 1970” to ensure these events are commemorated nationally.

Gdańsk, together with the Pomeranian regional government and the European Solidarity Centre (ECS), has organised a series of events from 8 to 18 December, including exhibitions, film screenings, guided tours, and educational workshops.

The commemorations aim to honour those who stood for freedom under communist rule, preserve collective memory, and educate new generations about the struggles that shaped Poland’s path to democracy.

“Memory, respect and gratitude are due to all victims of December 1970 and December 1981, as well as to those who risked everything for independence and democracy,” says ECS director Basil Kerski.

“Commemoration is not just for the families of the deceased; it is a shared responsibility, reinforcing society’s values and collective memory.”

Full programme details are available at ECS website.

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Source: ECS