# Round Table talks (1989)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1989-round-table-talks
Location: Warsaw
Categories: main-event

From February to April 1989 the government and the Solidarity opposition negotiated the legalisation of Solidarity, partially free elections and a restored Senate. 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 (6 February 1989), 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. Round Table talks 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
Round Table talks mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Wojciech Jaruzelski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/wojciech-jaruzelski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Polish Round Table Agreement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_Round_Table_Agreement)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Round Table talks](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Round+Table+talks)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)