President Karol Nawrocki Decorated Czesław Nowak and Stanisław Radwański

On Friday, March 6, 2026, a solemn ceremony for the presentation of the highest state decorations was held at the head of state's residence. President Karol Nawrocki awarded the Order of the White Eagle to two distinguished figures associated with Gdańsk: Czesław Nowak and Prof. Stanisław Radwański. The event gathered government representatives, parliamentarians, as well as veterans' and artistic communities. In his speech, the President noted that the attitude of the honorees forms the foundation of national identity, and their biographies serve as a guidepost for contemporary generations of Poles. He emphasized that Poland is proud of citizens who were able to maintain dignity and courage during times of totalitarian oppression. Czesław Nowak, a long-time opposition activist in the Polish People's Republic and a member of the Sejm, received the order in recognition of his distinguished service to the independence of the Republic. His activity within the structures of "Solidarity" and his steadfast fight for workers' rights became a symbol of resistance against dictatorship. Meanwhile, Prof. Stanisław Radwański, a sculptor and former rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, was recognized for his outstanding contribution to Polish culture. His artistic work and pedagogical efforts shaped generations of Polish creators, building the prestige of Polish art worldwide. President Nawrocki pointed out that both laureates represent an ethos of service that does not succumb to political opportunism but stems from deep patriotism and respect for truth. The Order of the White Eagle was established in 1705 by King Augustus II the Strong. After regaining independence in 1921, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland restored it as the highest decoration, a status maintained after the political transformation in 1989.„Wasze życiorysy to kompasy wartości dla współczesnej Polski.” (Your life stories are compasses of values for contemporary Poland.) — Karol NawrockiIn addition to the highest orders, the president also presented other state decorations, honoring the merits of four residents of Gdańsk. The ceremony was interpreted by commentators as an expression of the current administration's strong attachment to the tradition of the Gdańsk freedom movement. Karol Nawrocki repeatedly referred to the necessity of building a strong state based on moral authorities. The ceremony concluded with a group photo of the honorees with the presidential couple and a short patriotic concert. The media emphasize that the choice of laureates signals a continuation of a historical policy aimed at restoring the memory of heroes of the fight against communism and promoting outstanding achievements in the field of high culture.