Jaruzelski, Wojciech

Wojciech Jaruzelski was a Polish military officer and politician who served as the last communist leader of Poland from 1981 to 1989. He is known for declaring martial law in Poland in December 1981 to suppress growing opposition from the Solidarity movement, a major trade union challenging communist rule. His leadership helped maintain communist control for a few more years but also contributed to political unrest. After the fall of communism, Jaruzelski transitioned into a political role, becoming Poland’s president in 1989. His legacy remains complex, associated with both repression and the country's eventual shift to democracy.