About INSTYTUT JANA OLSZEWSKIEGO
Jan Olszewski
Prime Minister of Poland, 1991–1992
Jan Olszewski (1930–2019)
Early Life & Legal Career
Jan Olszewski was born on 20 August 1930 in Warsaw. He studied law at the University of Warsaw and became one of Poland's most distinguished defence lawyers. Throughout the communist era, he courageously defended political dissidents, trade union activists, and members of the democratic opposition, earning a reputation as a man of unwavering integrity and moral courage.
His legal work brought him into close contact with the Solidarity movement in the 1980s, where he served as a legal adviser and defender of workers and activists who stood against the communist regime.
Political Life & Prime Ministership
Following the fall of communism, Jan Olszewski entered politics as a committed advocate for genuine Polish sovereignty and democratic governance. He co-founded the Centre Alliance (Porozumienie Centrum) and became a leading voice for a Poland that would truly break with its communist past.
On 23 December 1991, Jan Olszewski was sworn in as Prime Minister of Poland, heading the first fully sovereign Polish government after decades of communist rule. His government was committed to truth, justice, decommunisation, and the defence of Polish national interests. He served until 5 June 1992, when his government was dismissed in controversial circumstances following his attempt to disclose communist-era secret service files.
Legacy & Later Years
After his time as Prime Minister, Olszewski continued to serve Poland as a member of parliament, a political commentator, and a moral authority in public life. He remained a steadfast defender of Polish sovereignty, Christian values, and the rights of citizens against the overreach of the state.
Jan Olszewski passed away on 7 February 2019 in Warsaw. He was honoured with a state funeral and is remembered as one of the most principled and courageous statesmen in modern Polish history. His legacy continues to inspire all those who believe in a Poland that is truly free, just, and sovereign.
About Our Foundation
INSTYTUT JANA OLSZEWSKIEGO is a registered Polish foundation established to honour, document, and promote the life, work, and values of Prime Minister Jan Olszewski. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation rooted in the values of patriotism, Christian-social thought, and Polish independence.
"A state that does not respect the truth about its own past cannot build a just future for its citizens."— Jan Olszewski
What We Believe In
Truth & Historical Justice
We believe that Poland's path to a fully sovereign future requires an honest reckoning with its past. We support the documentation and disclosure of historical truths, including the crimes of the communist era.
National Sovereignty
We are committed to the principle that Poland must be governed in the interests of its own citizens, free from foreign interference, and guided by the will of the Polish people.
Christian Social Values
We draw inspiration from the Christian tradition and social teaching of the Catholic Church, which has been a cornerstone of Polish identity, culture, and resistance throughout history.
Civic Responsibility
We encourage active citizenship, civic engagement, and the participation of Poles in the democratic life of their country, following the example set by Jan Olszewski throughout his career.