TIMELINES: What country got its first post-communist constitution on May 25, 1997?

TIMELINES Wednesday, May 25, 2011

What country got its first post-communist constitution on May 25, 1997?

On May 25, 1997,the Polish people approve the constitution of the Republic of Poland in a referendum effectively purging communist elements and establishing a strong foundation for preserving human rights in the new government. After being ruled by communist regimes since the end of World War II, the new Polish constitution engraves a respect for human rights into the fabric of Polish society. The Constitution of 1997 focuses on the protection of rights and freedoms such as: (1) the natural and inalienable dignity of the human being, (2) equality, (3) protection of minorities, foreigners, and citizenship, (4) recognition of international law, (5) civil and political rights, (6) right to life, (7) right of information and, (8) religious freedom.

Recently, despite the tragic loss of Polish President Lech Kaczynski in a 2010 plane crash, Poland looks forward to its future Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July of this year. Poland has planned an elaborate culture festival to inaugurate the presidency. As a result of Polands transformation to a democratic, market-oriented country, and the implementation of the shock-therapy economic plan of the early 1990s, Poland has one of the most robust economies in Central Europe. However, the country still faces high unemployment and other economic challenges. Recently, the President of the National Bank of Poland expressed the countrys reluctance to become a eurozone member due to the current turbulent times within the eurozone. In other news, U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to make an official visit to Poland after cancelling last years scheduled visit due to the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland. Ironically, ash from another recent volcanic eruption in Iceland may jeopardize the Presidents visit to Poland this week. !


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