Leaders of Poland (1989-present)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Usually, reflecting our constitutional frames, the Prime Ministers were political leaders of Poland after 1989, although there were notable exceptions, when someone else exercised a real power.

Tadeusz Mazowiecki (1989-1991)

As Prime Minister. Although until 1997 Poland was sometimes closer to a cohabitation model, President Jaruzelski strictly followed a path of presiding, but not attempting to rule.

Lech Wałęsa (1991)

President dominating over the government, headed by his personal candidate, Jan Krzysztof Bielecki.

Jan Olszewski (1991-1992)

As Prime Minister.

Lech Wałęsa (1992)

During a brief period of Waldemar Pawlak's first Prime Ministership (who agreed to fill the office until new coalition can be formed), Wałęsa was again a dominating figure.

Hanna Suchocka (1992-1993)

As Prime Minister.

Waldemar Pawlak/Aleksander Kwaśniewski/Lech Wałęsa (1993-1995)

A period when three individuals constantly struggled for power: Waldemar Pawlak, the Prime Minister, Lech Wałęsa, the President, and Aleksander Kwaśniewski, a leader of the biggest coalition party.

Józef Oleksy (1995-1996)

As Prime Minister. Kwaśniewski, being preoccupied with his presidential campaign, did not attempt to rule from behind the throne.

Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz (1996-1997)

As Prime Minister.

Marian Krzaklewski (1997-2000)

Leader of AWS, exercising the real power with his personal pick, Jerzy Buzek, formally heading the government.

Jerzy Buzek (2000-2001)

A Prime Minister for three years already, Buzek was forced to take an effective power after Krzaklewski humiliating defeat in the presidential election.

Leszek Miller (2001-2004)

As Prime Minister.

Aleksander Kwaśniewski (2004-2005)

President dominating over the government headed by his personal pick, Prime Minister Marek Belka.

Jarosław Kaczyński (2005-2007)

PiS leader, first ruling through a loyal President (Lech Kaczyński) and a puppet Prime Minister (Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz). Then became Prime Minister in mid-2006.

Donald Tusk (2007-present)

As Prime Minister.