Solidarity Electoral Action

political coalition, Poland

Also known as: AWS, Akcja Wyborcza Solidarność

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Solidarity Electoral Action (AWS) was a political coalition in Poland that emerged in the mid-1990s. It was formed by right-wing parties, uniting them under a common banner to challenge the ruling leftist coalition. The AWS played a significant role in the political landscape, particularly leading up to and following the 1997 parliamentary elections, where it achieved electoral success and formed a governing coalition. This coalition aimed to implement economic reforms and integrate Poland into the European Union and NATO. The AWS later reorganized as the Solidarity Electoral Action of the Right (AWSP).123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Poland
The constitution of 1997
…loose coalition known as the Solidarity Electoral Action (AWS), challenged the draft submitted by the National Assembly and called for its rejection in a national referendum. In May 1997 the referendum approved the draft by a slim margin. The constitution came into force in October 1997.
Read More
…loose coalition known as the Solidarity Electoral Action (AWS), challenged the draft submitted by the National Assembly and called for its rejection in a national referendum. In May 1997 the referendum approved the draft by a slim margin. The constitution came into force in October 1997.
Read More

Jerzy Buzek
…a candidate of the conservative Solidarity Electoral Action (Akcja Wyborcza Solidarność; AWS) coalition, was elected to the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish legislature. The AWS won a plurality of seats in the election, but the group’s leader, Marian Krzaklewski, declined the post of prime minister. The AWS then…
Read More
…a candidate of the conservative Solidarity Electoral Action (Akcja Wyborcza Solidarność; AWS) coalition, was elected to the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish legislature. The AWS won a plurality of seats in the election, but the group’s leader, Marian Krzaklewski, declined the post of prime minister. The AWS then…
Read More