Wojciech Jaruzelski quotes

Wojciech Jaruzelski was a Polish military officer and politician, most notable for serving as the last communist leader of Poland. His leadership included the imposition of martial law in the 1980s and navigating the nation through a period of political upheaval. He played a key role in Poland’s transition from communism to democracy. Here are 18 of his quotes:

Our soldier's hands are clean; he knows his hard service ... and has no other aim but the good of the nation.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

Exactly one year ago martial law was introduced. The year that has passed was a great test. We have passed it. It has been passed by the party, by the people's authority and all the citizens. But there is the only winner: the Polish nation. This is the shortest-put truth about the past year.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

It was not that socialism failed, it was the lack of socialism.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

America is so large and so diverse that it is overwhelming, but my first impressions are favorable.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

I do not have to look for credentials for my Polishness and for my patriotism. I'm a Pole. The chronicles of my family go back - as far back as the 13th century.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

There were three causes that accounted for the proclamation of martial law in Poland. First it was the progressing economic ruin of the country. Second, it was the decomposition of the functioning of the state. And third, a threat of a civil war.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

To make tomorrow better we must realize tough realities today, to understand the necessity for renunciation.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

We are a sovereign country so we must get out from this crisis by ourselves. We must draw away danger with our own hands. History would never forgive the present generation for wasting this chance.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

The steps taken today serve to preserve the basic features of socialist renewal. All the reforms will be continued in an atmosphere of order, businesslike discussion and discipline, also economic reform.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

Citizens. Great is the burden of responsibility that falls on me at this dramatic moment in Polish history. It is my duty to take this responsibility. Poland's future is at stake-the future for which my generation fought and for which it gave the best years of its life.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

The self-preservation instinct of the nation must be heard. Adventurists must have their hands tied before they push the homeland into the abyss of fratricide.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

The nation has come to the end of its psychological endurance. Many people are beginning to despair. Now it is not days but hours that separate us from a national catastrophe. Honesty compels one to ask the question: Did things have to come to this?

Wojciech Jaruzelski

I do not make any promises. But I do promise one thing - anarchy will not be allowed into Poland. Let no one in Poland or outside cherish any illusions that the present decisions will allow for another round.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

The absence of a decision could result in an impetuous, dangerous development of a situation which has got out of any control. There is no ideal solution in such circumstances. The only thing is to find the optimal solution, "a lesser evil."

Wojciech Jaruzelski

It cannot be said that we didn't show good will, moderation, patience, sometimes there probably was too much of it ... the initiative of the great national understanding was backed by millions of Poles.

Wojciech Jaruzelski

The introduction of martial law was the most dramatic decision I had ever taken. And life had treated me harshly. I experienced my country's tragedy in 1939.

Wojciech Jaruzelski