Poland Out of the Political Desert

When so-called round-table talks between the Polish regime and the Solidarity-led opposition began last month, few observers expected a quick breakthrough. At issue was the political price the government would pay to win support for economic austerity measures. Last week, to just about everyone's surprise, the negotiators disclosed that they had agreed on a thorough reorganization of the political system. The reform would include the creation of a senate to complement the existing lower house, or Sejm, with members chosen in free elections, as well as the institution of a powerful presidency, with the officeholder selected by parliament. Said Jacek Kuron, a leader of the banned Solidarity trade union: "This is a step toward democracy, the like of which has never been taken before under this system."

If the accord is carried out, it will mark the first time a Communist government has voluntarily ceded a major share of power to the opposition. Not only would Solidarity and other opposition groups be free to compete for seats in the 98-member senate, but there would also be liberalized elections to the Sejm in which non-Communists could win up to 35% of the 460 seats. The two chambers would then elect the President. Details of the pact will not be unveiled until April 3, but both sides have already agreed to June parliamentary elections.

Still, the Communists are not about to yield their pre-eminent place. The most likely candidate for the post of President is General Wojciech Jaruzelski, First Secretary of the Communist party. Said government negotiator Janusz Reykowski: "Nowhere do elections contest that system. That would threaten the stability of the state."

The pact could still falter on the question of economic reform. Solidarity wants wages to be indexed to the inflation rate, currently 70%, and price increases for food and other necessities to be introduced gradually. Even so, said Solidarity representative Bronislaw Geremek, "after 45 years in a political desert, we suddenly find ourselves in a completely new situation."