A Vision for the Future: Lech Wałęsa on Democracy, Youth, and the Power of Unity

By Paweł Sternicki

In the pantheon of global figures who have shaped modern history, Lech Wałęsa stands tall as a symbol of resilience, democracy, and the power of collective action. As the leader of the "Solidarity" movement in Poland —a trade union that became a revolutionary force— and a former President of Poland, Wałęsa was instrumental in ending communist rule in Eastern Europe, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983.

Four decades after those tumultuous days, Wałęsa remains a voice of clarity and conviction. Today, in an era grappling with political polarization, economic uncertainty, and the erosion of trust in democratic systems, his insights resonate deeply.

The following interview was conducted in Polish and has been translated for clarity. The Allowance sat down with Wałęsa to discuss the legacy of Solidarity, the challenges facing younger generations, and his vision for a renewed global economy.

Q: Was there a breakthrough moment when you realized that the "Solidarity" movement might succeed?

"If I hadn’t believed in its success, I wouldn’t have taken on the responsibility of leading it," Wałęsa reflects with characteristic resolve. His leadership was never about blind optimism, but rather an unyielding belief in the power of people united by a common cause.

Q: Do you think today’s youth are more socially engaged than in the past?

"No," he says, pausing thoughtfully. "The problem is that there’s so much to be done. The eras keep changing, and young people are overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of problems. As a result, they don’t get very involved because it’s simply too much; they feel powerless."

For Wałęsa, this lack of engagement is not a failure of character but a symptom of an era rife with challenges that feel insurmountable.

Q: Do you see differences in the approach to work between your generation and young people today?

"This is a different era, with different challenges and dangers," he observes. "Each generation—almost everyone—has its own Westerplatte." The reference to Westerplatte, where Poland famously resisted a Nazi invasion in World War II, underscores his belief that every generation faces defining struggles that test their mettle.

Q: What role should the younger generation play in shaping the economy?

"They should use the methods and principles that have brought about the development of civilization—tools that we didn’t have, but they do—and channel these into economic success," he advises. Wałęsa is optimistic about the opportunities that technology and innovation afford, but he stresses the need for intentionality in leveraging these tools.

Q: What advice would you give to the younger generation that wants to influence the global economy?

"Understand the times we live in," Wałęsa urges. "Understand that almost all structures and programs from the previous era don’t fit this one. We need to redefine the left and the right. We need to supplement democracy."

Wałęsa points to a growing global disenchantment with democracy, highlighting recent unrest in France, Germany, the U.S., and Poland. "People have stopped believing in democracy. They don’t trust it, and that’s why they don’t defend it."

For democracy to thrive, Wałęsa believes it needs reform. "Democracy needs three points added to it, points I’ve been repeating for 20 years. Without these, strange things will keep happening—populists and demagogues will continue to rise to power."

As our conversation ended, it was clear that Lech Wałęsa’s perspective is shaped not only by the victories of the past but also by a keen awareness of the challenges that lie ahead. His legacy is one of perseverance—a reminder of the extraordinary power of ordinary people united by shared values and purpose.

In a world increasingly divided along political and ideological lines, his words offer a profound sense of possibility. Wałęsa’s reflections are not bound by nostalgia; they are a call to action for those who wish to shape a better future. His vision, rooted in the belief that collective effort can overcome even the greatest obstacles, feels as relevant now as it did during the days of Solidarity.

The challenges of today may be different, but the path forward remains the same: a commitment to justice, collaboration, and the courage to imagine what can be achieved when unity prevails. For Wałęsa, history is a testament to the resilience of those who refuse to accept the status quo—and a reminder that the future is shaped by those willing to rise to the occasion.