# 1987 referendum (1987)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1987-1987-referendum
Location: Poland

The government held a referendum on economic and political reforms but failed to win the support of a majority of eligible voters, exposing its weakness. Within the broader People'S Republic period: Shifted westward and placed under communist rule, Poland rebuilt from the war but repeatedly rose against the regime, until the Solidarity movement forced a negotiated transition in 1989. At this point in the timeline (1987), the governing authority was Wojciech Jaruzelski (First Secretary of the PZPR; Chairman of the Council of State; President of Poland). General who imposed martial law in 1981 and later negotiated the transition; President 1989–1990. 1987 referendum mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
1987 referendum mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Kazimierz Sabbat](https://poland-history.com/rulers/kazimierz-sabbat)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — 1987 Polish political and economic reforms referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1987_Polish_political_and_economic_reforms_referendum)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — 1987 referendum](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=1987+referendum)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)