Statement from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on the Anniversary of the Imposition of Martial Law in Poland

Ottawa, ON - The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on the Anniversary of the Imposition of Martial Law in Poland:

"Today, Poland marks a dark day in its proud history. Forty-four years ago, military leaders in Warsaw declared martial law across the country, in an attempt to keep the socialist government in power through force.

"The ensuing repressions, designed to crush anti-regime dissent, led to deaths, mass arrests and internment. But the Polish spirit - sustained by deep faith and national pride - was unbroken. Even in those dark times, the Solidarity movement remained unbowed, showing Poles' disdain for tyranny.

"By 1983, the authorities felt they had weathered the storm. They could not have been more wrong.

"Six years later, decades of authoritarianism were ended by the very movement that martial law sought to crush. Not only did the Soviet puppet regime not survive, but Poland would go on to play a central role in freeing half of Europe from their communist shackles.

"This sad anniversary is therefore also a cause for hope: a reminder that powerful tyrants cannot win, and freedom-loving people can triumph against the odds."