In the magazine: June 4th is the anniversary of the first partially-free elections held in Poland in 1989, which resulted in a landslide victory for the candidates put up by the Solidarity union, effectively toppling communist rule in this country. We are looking at the history of the landmark election that followed the historic Round Table talks between the opposition led by Lech Wałęsa, and the communist authorities. Also: the atmosphere of excitement and hopes shared in the days running up to the elections of June 4, 1989; the women who played a key role in the Solidarity trade union; America closely following the transformations of 1989; and - on the 25th anniversary of the June 4 election - US President Barack Obama in Poland joining European leaders for a "toast to freedom and Solidarity" in Warsaw.
Presented by Michał Owczarek