Albin Siwak

Who is Albin Siwak?

Albin Siwak is a Polish politician. He worked in the Polish People's Republic as a construction worker, and for many years as foreman; at the age of 18, he was already head of a working unit. He later made a career as a Polish United Workers' Party functionary, being member of the Politburo in 1980s and serving as an ambassador in Libya. Siwak was one of the leaders of the hardline faction and a determined opponent of Solidarity. He nowadays represents nationalist-leftist positions. After 1989, for some time he belonged to the Democratic Left Alliance, but left it after a conflict with Leszek Miller. Siwak later joined the National Party “Ojczyzna”.

Critics have accused him of anti-Jewish sentiment; in Leszek Koczanowicz's view, Siwak portrays Polish communism as an expression of national interests. He is connected with the newspaper Tygodnik Ojczyzna.