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Edward Gierek

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Edward Gierek
4thFirst Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party
In office
20 December 1970 – 5 September 1980
Preceded byWładysław Gomułka
Succeeded byStanisław Kania
Personal details
Born(1913-01-06)6 January 1913
Porąbka,Piotrków Governorate,Congress Poland(theRussian Empire)
Died29 July 2001(2001-07-29)(aged 88)
Cieszyn,Silesian Voivodeship,Poland
NationalityPolish
Political partyPolish United Workers' Party
Spouse(s)StanisławanéeJędrusik (1918–2007)

Edward Gierek(Polish pronunciation:[ˈɛdvart ˈɡʲɛrɛk];6 January 1913 – 29 July 2001)[1]was aPolishcommunistpolitician.

Gierek is known for opening communist Poland to Western influence. He madeeconomicchanges. For a time these changes helped Poland's economy stabilize. He modernizedindustryand increased access toproducts.Later the1973 oil crisismade prices increase. Poland had many foreign debts. There were several revolts because of the economy. The Polish people were unhappy with Gierek and he was removed from power.[2]

References[change|change source]

  1. "Edward Gierek".The Independent.11 April 2014.Retrieved28 July2021.
  2. McFadden, Robert (30 July 2001)."Edward Gierek Dies at 88; Polish Communist Reformer".Retrieved19 September2016.