Barbara Blida facts for kids

Barbara Maria Blida (born December 3, 1949 – died April 25, 2007) was an important Polish politician. She served in Poland's Parliament, called the Sejm, for 16 years, from 1989 to 2005. During her time in Parliament, she also worked as a government minister.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Maria Szwajnoch was born in Siemianowice Śląskie, a city in Poland. When she was 20 years old, in 1969, she joined the Polish United Workers' Party. This was the main political party that governed Poland after World War II. She stayed a member of this party until it changed its structure about 20 years later.

From 1968 to 1977, Barbara worked as a specialist in workplace safety. She made sure that workplaces were safe for everyone. In 1976, she graduated from the Silesian University of Technology. She studied sanitary engineering, which is about designing systems for public health, like water and waste management.

Political Journey

Using her married name, Barbara Blida, she was elected to the Sejm in June 1989. The Sejm is like the House of Representatives in other countries. She served for six terms in a row, until 2005.

After the original party she joined dissolved in 1990, she continued her political work. She became a member of new parties that followed, like the Social Democracy of the Republic of Poland and later the Democratic Left Alliance. In 2004, she left the Alliance and served her last year in Parliament as an independent member.

While serving in the Sejm, Barbara Blida was also appointed as a minister. On October 26, 1993, she became the Minister for Construction and Spatial Management. This meant she was in charge of planning and building in Poland. She held this important role in several governments until December 31, 1996. After that, her ministry changed, but she continued to lead the new office until October 1997.

Barbara Blida was a dedicated public servant who spent many years working for the people of Poland in various important roles.