[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       THE CONSTITUTION OF POLAND

 Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, today is the 203d anniversary of the 
signing of the original Polish Constitution. Ratified in 1791, the 
Polish Constitution was the first liberal charter of its kind on the 
European continent and is based on the Constitution of the United 
States. Because of the close relationship between Poland, the United 
States, and their respective Constitutions, I want to use this 
opportunity to praise Poland and its people for their commitment to 
democracy and the rule of law.
  Like the American Constitution, the original Polish Constitution 
stressed the rights of the individual over those of the State. It 
secures individual freedom for Polish citizens while at the same time 
ensuring religious tolerance and the principle of majority rule. 
Against like its American counterpart, the Polish Constitution created 
three independent and equal pillars of government: legislative, 
judicial, and executive branches.
  Unfortunately, the Poland's democratic development was interrupted by 
foreign domination for all of the 19th century and most of the 20th 
century.
  During a time of instability throughout many parts of the world, 
Poland has provided an example for countries which are trying to make 
tough policy decisions to change command economies into a free market 
economies. Poland has shown that free enterprise can increase living 
standards faster than government subsidies. While the ownership of 
durable goods in Poland has dramatically increased since the mid 
1980's, Poland's public debate as a proportion of its GDP is lower than 
in some European Union [EU] countries. In addition, Poland's budget 
deficit is lower than the EU average. Clearly, Poland has proven to 
other developing countries that a flourishing free market economy can 
be achieved peacefully without suppressing democracy and the rule of 
law.
  Today I met with a delegation of Polish officials to discuss their 
efforts on civil rights legislation. It is truly inspiring to see 
Poland making strides on matters such as civil rights and the 
environment at the same time it is going through the painful process of 
restructuring its economy.

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