The highest state officials, including Jerzy Szmajdziński, who championed our region, died in the crash of the presidential aircraft in Smolensk. This tragedy also affects local governments. – I am beginning a meeting at the Town Hall – says Piotr Roman. – I foresee various possible developments because around one hundred of Poland’s most important people have died. The prime minister may declare a state of emergency. Poland has not experienced such a tragedy for several decades. A significant part of the institutions is unable to function. I do not foresee disruptions to the local government’s work, but the crisis affecting the entire state is to some extent transferred to the local level.
Józef Burniak knew Jerzy Szmajdziński personally. He remembers him as a decent and reliable man, as well as an effective politician who cared about our region. – One of the champions of our region has died – says Burniak. – Jerzy Szmajdziński was first a deputy representing the Jelenia Góra area, and later constituency no. 1, Jelenia Góra–Legnica. We felt the effects of his work for our region. He was always above suspicion, despite the various scandals that swept through the left. He was a politician through and through, but also a human being. I worked with him for many years. At times he could be brusque, but whenever he said something, come hell or high water, he always kept his word.
Dariusz Kwaśniewski is shocked by the events. He says that only human death makes party conflicts and animosities lose their importance. – I am devastated – Kwaśniewski told us. – When I learned about the crash, I still hoped there would be no victims. Faced with such a tragedy, we become aware of what is important. Every day we argue and dispute. When a disaster occurs, a person gains the proper perspective. They conclude that disputes are pointless. I am shattered by this information.
Mayor Piotr Roman appealed for an informal period of mourning – a natural gesture of solidarity with the victims’ families. He passed the information on to the institutions subordinate to him so that they could adapt their activities to the tragic events.
Memorial Mass for the Victims of the Disaster
A memorial mass for the presidential couple and all the victims of the disaster will be celebrated tomorrow, April 11 at 4:00 p.m., at the Sanctuary on Kościelna Street.memorial mass.
Bolesławiec residents will be able to express their condolences in the condolence book, which has been placed in the Town Hall lobby. Entries may be made in the book from April 12 during the office’s working hours.
Today, at around 9:00 a.m., in Smolensk, the Tupolev 154-M aircraft carrying President Lech Kaczyński crashed. While approaching for landing, the aircraft most likely struck a tree and caught fire. Eighty-eight passengers and eight crew members died.
The disaster is described as one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our country. Among the most important state officials who died were: Lech Kaczyński, Maria Kaczyńska, Ryszard Kaczorowski, Jerzy Szmajdziński, Władysław Stasiak, Aleksander Szczygło, Paweł Wypych, Mariusz Handzlik, Andrzej Kremer, General Franciszek Gągor, Andrzej Przewoźnik, Grzegorz Dolniak, Przemysław Gosiewski, Zbigniew Wassermann, Janusz Kochanowski, Sławomir Skrzypek, Janusz Kurtyka, Bishop Tadeusz Płoski as well as the commanders of the armed forces.
The list of people who flew on the Tupolev 154-M is published by the Gazeta.pl portal
National Mourning
Speaker of the Sejm Bronisław Komorowski announced a week of National Mourning. Sporting and cultural events have been canceled across the country. Memorial masses are being celebrated in churches.
In connection with the tragedy in Smolensk, shopping centers and supermarkets will be closed on Sunday (April 11). The decision was made by the management boards of retail chains belonging to the Polish Organization of Trade and Distribution.
(ii report)